Synopses & Reviews
A young soldier, mortally wounded, pens a last letter to his beloved father from the battlefield. That letter, along with 19 others from the Civil War, are reproduced here in facsimile for readers to open, remove, and read, just as the original recipients did. Conveying the personal drama behind the battles of the Civil War with unrivaled verisimilitude, this unusual volume reveals the triumphs, loneliness, fears, and struggles of ordinary men and women facing their role in history, such as a letter from a former slave to his wife, ringing with hope for a future of freedom together. Renowned Civil War historian Rod Gragg places each letter in its historical context with short essays describing the perspectives of both Confederate and Union troops. He also includes biographical information, when available, about the letter writers themselves. Archival photographs offer portraits of camp life, the soldiers, and the battlefields. An exceptionally compelling and accessible look at Civil War history, From Fields of Fire and Glory recreates the experience of living through this remarkable time and makes both a sound introduction to the era and a fitting complement to any Civil War library.
Review
Lincoln spoke his address at Gettysburg 139 years ago this fall. As the years since the War Between the States increase, it becomes more important to seize the threads of history before they fade and unravel.
From Fields of Fire and Glory offers 20 letters from the war, reproduced in color from the originals, with typed transcriptions of the combatants' penned words. Tucked into pockets, on pages with photographs of the correspondents and context, the letters are both poignant and graphic, giving details that will delight war buffs and scholars.
Even the rebel papers admit that Lee has his match in Gen Meade, and has been foiled in every attempt to surprise or flank him. I only hope the Blubber heads at Washington will leave Meade where he is.
The history is not limited to just the winning side or that of the oft-romanticized loser; North and South, navy and infantry, officer and private, homefront and warfront are all represented. Jacob Harvey, in a letter to his wife in 1865, wrote, "I would rather talk with you one hour than rite a dozen leters [sic]." While we would rather talk with Harvey and his comrades for one hour than read a dozen letters, this book is a welcome substitute. -The Bloomsbury Review
About the Author
Rod Gragg is an award-winning Civil War historian who has written a number of books on the subject including The Civil War Quiz and Fact Book. He lives in South Carolina.