Synopses & Reviews
First published in 1987, The Confederate Image examines the popular lithographs and engravings cherished by Southerners during and after the Civil War. These images helped sustain and revive Southern identity following the collapse of the Confederacy. (Though, ironically, most were actually crafted by Northern artisans.) The book focuses on prints of the three most prominent Southern figures of the conflictRobert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and Stonewall Jacksonbut also discusses prints of other important Confederates as well as the contributions of the short-lived Southern Illustrated News.
Review
A well-researched and interesting sidelight into a world of illusion.
New York Times Book Review
Review
This book is imaginative, insightful, and well-written. Highly recommended for university libraries and for others having collections on the Civil War or popular art. (Library Journal)
Review
The authors forge a new path through the well worn field of Civil War history.
Booklist
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In this pioneering study, the authors provide an extensively researched, scholarly text that places this popular art in its cultural and commercial context. (Publishers Weekly)
Review
[An] engrossing book about Southerners during the Civil War
People Magazine "In this pioneering study, the authors provide an extensively researched, scholarly text that places this popular art in its cultural and commercial context."--###Publishers Weekly# "###The Confederate Image# is more than just a picture book. It is the product of an insightful examination of these popular prints and recognition of their long-ignored historical value. Its authors . . . have supplied an extensive and well-written text that tells a fascinating story of the creation of these images and how they added to or, at times, ran counter to the creation of the myth that is known as the Lost Cause."--###Chicago Tribune# "A remarkable contribution to the literature and iconography of the Civil War. The impressible links between the prints, their creators, and some of the most dramatic scenes of the war involve the skillful use of new and little-used material. Most students of the war will find treasures here."--Burke Davis
Review
[A] fascinating, original new book.
Detroit News
Synopsis
A first-time paperback edition of this 1987 classic, The Confederate Image presents and examines the popular lithographs and engravings cherished by Southerners during and after the Civil War. This book is beautifully illustrated with images that reveal how the war has been remembered through history.
About the Author
Mark E. Neely Jr. is McCabe-Greer Professor of Civil War History at Pennsylvania State University. Harold Holzer is vice president for communications at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and, with Neely, author of ###The Union Image: Popular Prints of the Civil War North#. Gabor S. Boritt is Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies at Gettysburg College and director of the Civil War Institute.