SINGING THE NEW NATION: HOW MUSIC SHAPED THE CONFEDERACY, 1861-1865

by E. Lawrence Abel

Scholarly volumes have been written about the causes of the war, presenting plausible reasons for the bloodbath of the 1860s. The arguments are endless and fascinating. Every generation finds new insight into the times. What has largely been ignored is the role of songs in America’s Civil War. This book chronicles the war’s social history in terms of its seldom discussed musical side, and is told from the perspective of the South. Outmanned and outgunned during the War, the South was certainly not musically bested.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Rachel Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read discussing the music and the music industry in the Confederacy. Great notes and lots of songs listed. Many interesting facts about pieces we love today.