Historical Dictionary of the Civil War: 2 Volumes

by Terry L. Jones

Overview

The Civil War was the most traumatic event in American history, pitting Americans against one another, rending the national fabric, leaving death and devastation in its wake, and instilling an anger that has not entirely dissipated even to this day, 150 years later.

This updated and expanded two-volume second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Civil War relates the history of this war through a chronology, an introductory essay, an extensive bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on persons, places, events, institutions, battles, and campaigns. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Civil War.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810879539
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	07/15/2011
Series:	Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution, and Civil Unrest , #2
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	1816
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Terry L. Jones is professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He has published extensively on the American Civil War and his book Lee's Tigers was awarded the General L. Kemper Williams Prize as the year's best book on Louisiana History.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Volume 1
Chapter 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 THE DICTIONARY, A-L
Chapter 4 Volume 2
Chapter 5 THE DICTIONARY, M-Z
Chapter 6 Bibliography
Chapter 7 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

In this two-volume reference prepared for the wide audience of Civil War historians, buffs, and students, Jones (history, U. of Louisiana) provides a lengthy (75-page) introduction, giving a broad overview of the war and its origins and consequences. Then, alphabetically-arranged entries, ranging in length from a couple lines to a couple pages, identify and describe personnel, places, institutions, military engagements, weapons, and terminology pertaining to the conflict. A few b&w maps and a detailed chronology are included. Cross-referencing is provided by printing key words in boldface. A bibliographic essay accompanies the selective listing of Civil War books, which is arranged according to eight topical categories and occupies 58 pages; quarterly journals are also listed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Provides a thorough chronology as well as a lengthy introduction that summarizes events contributing to the conflict and the strengths and weaknesses of each side. Entries are heavily cross-referenced...will be a useful tool in larger Civil War collections.

11/15/2002 Booklist

This is an excellent set of books that covers just about everything you can think of concerning our American Civil War. This excellent two volume reference set of books is normally marketed to and found in school and university libraries.

The Lone Star Book Review

This second edition is a one-man labor of love by Jones....The second edition's arrangement follows the earlier version, beginning with introductory maps, a chronology, and a historical overview. Selection criteria indicate that the emphasis of the work is on military activities.... The bulk of the work is an A-Z dictionary containing entries for all manner of topics related to fighting the US Civil War, including individuals (the strongest aspect of the book), concepts and terminology (e.g., "embalmed beef"), battles, weapons, warships, and more. Jones makes an effort to sort out the various names and spellings given to battles or other activities. Within entries, subjects that have stand-alone citations of their own are cross-referenced with boldface type. This comprehensive volume concludes with a 92-page bibliography but has no index. It should be useful for libraries. Recommended.

Choice Reviews

With the sesquicentennial of the War between the States at hand, it is an appropriate time for the release of the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Civil War, authored by Jones, a veteran Civil War scholar and professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jones’ work follows the general pattern of other titles in the Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution, and Civil Unrest series. A detailed, 39-page chronology begins with the acceptance by Congress of the Missouri Compromise in 1820 and ends with the surrender of the Confederate ship Shenandoah in fall 1865. The introduction offers a concise overview of the subject, ending with a 3-page discussion of the legacy of the war. The 1,700 entries in the dictionary section are well chosen and clearly and accurately defined. From the obvious inclusions, such as Gettysburg and Robert E. Lee, to those that are more obscure, such as the ill-fated Mud March and the Quaker guns, Jones does a fine job in choosing appropriate and interesting terms to discuss. Cross-referencing is made simple by the inclusion of boldface type for terms that are mentioned within the definition of entries. For those seeking quality works regarding the war and its many facets, a splendid bibliography is available. With approximately 50,000 books and counting and innumerable articles on various aspects of the Civil War, there is no sign that interest in the subject is waning. This reference work will appeal to both the casual reader and the advanced Civil War scholar.

Booklist

If you are a war-gamer or military history buff with a taste for the close analysis of army maneuvers and the men who made them, these two volumes should fit the bill.

Reference Reviews

If any study can claim to be definitive, Historical Dictionary of the Civil War is worthy of that description. It is impressive in almost every aspect ... a magnificent and beneficial addition to Civil War literature-everything anyone could desire from such a set ... if you are serious about the Civil War, it is a set you will own a lifetime, and therefore worth the steep price.

Civil War News

Jones skillfully covers a remarkable number of persons (including civilians), battles concepts, prisons, weapons, techniques, warships, and other topics....A useful resource and a remarkable accomplishment.

Civil War History

This second edition is a one-man labor of love by Jones....The second edition's arrangement follows the earlier version, beginning with introductory maps, a chronology, and a historical overview. Selection criteria indicate that the emphasis of the work is on military activities.... The bulk of the work is an A-Z dictionary containing entries for all manner of topics related to fighting the US Civil War, including individuals (the strongest aspect of the book), concepts and terminology (e.g., "embalmed beef"), battles, weapons, warships, and more. Jones makes an effort to sort out the various names and spellings given to battles or other activities. Within entries, subjects that have stand-alone citations of their own are cross-referenced with boldface type. This comprehensive volume concludes with a 92-page bibliography but has no index. It should be useful for libraries. Recommended.

Choice

...the best historical dictionary yet produced about the Civil War...Essential.

CHOICE