Gene Dattel’s book, Cotton and Race in the Making of America is one of the best books that I have read on the subject of race and the economic impact of cotton. Mr. Dattel, a native of the Mississippi Delta, writes compellingly from a personal and intellectual perspective. The book is an invaluable guide to understanding the American experienceGene Dattel’s book, Cotton and Race in the Making of America is one of the best books that I have read on the subject of race and the economic impact of cotton. Mr. Dattel, a native of the Mississippi Delta, writes compellingly from a personal and intellectual perspective. The book is an invaluable guide to understanding the American experience.