Daily Life in Civil War America (Daily Life Through History Series)

by Dorothy Denneen Volo, James M. Volo

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 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313305160
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/10/1998
Series:	Greenwood Press Daily Life Through History Series
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.81(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

DOROTHY DENNEEN VOLO is a teacher and historian. /e She has been an active living history reenactor for twenty years and has been involved in numerous community historical education projects.

JAMES M. VOLO is a teacher, historian, and living history enthusiast. /e He has been an active historic reenactor for more than two decades, participating in a wide range of living history events, including television and screen performance.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chronology

History, Politics, and Slavery

The Historian's War

Politics: The National Hobby

The American Zion

On Behalf of Southern Independence

The Peculiar Institution: Slavery

Abolition

Soldier's Lives

Billy Yank and Johnny Reb

Hardtack and Coffee

Tenting Tonight: The Soldier's Life

Tactics and Strategy

Seeing the Elephant: The Realities of Life in Battle

Civilians' Lives

Be It Ever So Humble

Leisure Time

Feast or Famine: Food and Cooking

The Look: Fashion and Women's Clothing

Dressed for the Part: Men's, Children's, and Slaves' Clothing

Elevating and Expanding the Young Mind

Till the Mournful Night is Gone: Death and Dying

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

The authors, both teachers and history reenactors in community, screen, and television projects, begin by describing Civil War politics, historians' varying opinions on the causes of the war, America as a Zion for the world, and slavery and abolition. Then, sections on soldiers' lives and activities on the homefront include interesting details such as: what the slaves' and the freed black men and women's lives were like; how 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. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

. . . 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.” —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, mourbaning, 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.” —Reference & Research Book News

From the Publisher