Herbert James "Jim" Lewis earned his B.A. in history, and his law degree, from the University of Alabama. He clerked for the Alabama Supreme Court, served in the U.S. Air Force as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, and practiced for more than 25 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. The Alabama Review published his 2006 article concerning one of Alabama's earliest attorneys, and since 2007, Lewis has edited or contributed numerous articles to the comprehensive Encyclopedia of Alabama.
Herbert James Lewis’ new, extensive book on antebellum Alabama joins Quid Pro Books' History & Heroes Series. The name "Alabama" comes from the Choctaw word meaning “clearers of the thickets,” inspiring the title of this fascinating book. It examines Alabama's early history beginning with the era of European colonization and culminating with the state's controversial secession from the Union.