Country house discourse in early modern England Book

I noted in 2010 that gender based studies almost never look at masculinity. Why is likely due to few men engaging in such theories and also that gender studies is at heart opposed to masculinity. This attempt to discuss the motivations of white Southerners through gender theory in the Civil War era sounded interesting. Even more so as work like this would not be likely today given the vilification of the subject matter in particular, and straight white males in general. Yet, I found this one unconvincing. I liked the illustrations and Berry is not a bad writer, but the emphasis on particular figures was unconvincing to the arguments being made. That said, when the actual shooting starts, the narrative and analysis becomes sharper. I must conclude a great little book can be found in the final 1/3, but its quite a slog to get there.