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The United States Civil War touched the lives of every American North and South at that time. This informative book makes extensive use of journals, newspapers, and diaries to bring together the experience of the soldier, civilian, and slave in one volume. The experiences of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb are contrasted with activities on the homefront to bring this turbulent era alive for students, teachers and Civil War buffs.
This engaging history also provides interesting details such as: what the slaves' and the freed black men and women's lives were like; how the soldiers obtained their food; how recipes were changed to accommodate food shortages; the popular books and magazines of the time; and how clothing and fashion were affected by the war. The ideas and ideals which brought about the crisis are discussed and period writings are included to provide great insight into the mindset of the time. This volume is enhanced by period photographs, lithographs and original art work, much of which has never before appeared in print.
". . . this Greenwood Press volume is compact, economical, well written, and serves it stated purpose admirably. Covering a subject of interest among the general public and researchers alike, this book is strongly recommended for purchase by all public and academic libraries."
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ARBAonline
"This work on the daily lives of ordinary soldiers and civilians caught up on both sides of the Civil War features about 50 B&W historical photos, posters, and illustrations, many from the authors' own collection. It offers details on food, drink, shelter, recreation, religion, mourning, and the horrors of battle, and spotlights the roles of women, slaves, free persons, and children in the conflict. This second edition draws on additional primary sources; it contains new chapters on the effects of the war on families, and the activities of Southern pacifist groups and anti-Confederate border residents. A chronology and a glossary are included. Dorothy Volo is program coordinator and president of a local historical society."
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Reference & Research Book News
| Introduction | ||
| Chronology | ||
| Pt. I | History, Politics, and Slavery | |
| 1 | The Historians' War | 3 |
| 2 | Politics: The National Hobby | 15 |
| 3 | The American Zion | 31 |
| 4 | On Behalf of Southern Independence | 49 |
| 5 | The Peculiar Institution: Slavery | 61 |
| 6 | Abolition | 81 |
| Pt. II | Soldiers' Lives | |
| 7 | Billy Yank and Johnny Reb | 97 |
| 8 | Hardtack and Coffee | 115 |
| 9 | Tenting Tonight: The Soldier's Life | 133 |
| 10 | Tactics and Strategy | 149 |
| 11 | Seeing the Elephant: The Realities of Life in Battle | 173 |
| Pt. III | Civilians' Lives | |
| 12 | Be It Ever So Humble | 191 |
| 13 | Leisure Time | 203 |
| 14 | Feast or Famine: Food and Cooking | 225 |
| 15 | The Look: Fashion and Women's Clothing | 237 |
| 16 | Dressed for the Part: Men's, Children's, and Slaves' Clothing | 257 |
| 17 | Elevating and Expanding the Young Mind | 271 |
| 18 | Till the Mournful Night Is Gone: Death and Dying | 283 |
| Bibliography | 301 | |
| Index | 309 |
Overview
The United States Civil War touched the lives of every American North and South at that time. This informative book makes extensive use of journals, newspapers, and diaries to bring together the experience of the soldier, civilian, and slave in one volume. The experiences of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb are contrasted with activities on the homefront to bring this turbulent era alive for students, teachers and Civil War buffs.
This engaging history also provides interesting details...