On Shattered Ground: A Civil War Mosaic, 1861-1865

by Roger Panetta, Eileen Panetta (Editor)

A WIDE-RANGING COLLECTION OF CIVIL WAR DOCUMENTS
This comprehensive anthology of original documents traces the American Civil War from its beginnings with the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln to the surrender and assassination with which it ended. With historical sources ranging from public documents, newspaper articles and personal reminiscences to fiction, songs, and poems written by participants and observers, these primary documents and images capture the wide spectrum of individuals who all experienced the profound effects of the American Civil War on both the Union and Confederacy sides as well as on the nation as a whole. Statesmen, citizens, generals, soldiers, abolitionists, slaves, journalists, and artists all give voice to the day-to-day reality of a devastating conflict that reached into the homes and lives of the average American in a way no American war had before…or has since.

Genres: American History, Nonfiction, History

432 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 2, 2012

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The goal of this book is to give the modern reader a feel for the atmosphere and attitude of the people during the Civil War. Of course, with any anthology, the documents can be hit or miss. However, in this case, I enjoyed most of them. Perhaps enjoyed isn't the right term, because some of the descriptions were horrifying. In any case, I appreciated what they revealed about events as the occurred, and that the editors didn't seem to leave anything out. This book taught me more about the New York City draft riots than I ever learned in school, and now I'm upset that such a terrible part of a terrible war was glossed over. I consider myself a Civil War buff, but I learned some new things from this book. As a general introduction to the original documents from the Civil War, it's worth a read.

[Lowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent supplemental work for a Civil. War course. A very good compilation of documents and personal experiences.