It Happened in the Civil War (It Happened In Series) by Michael R. Bradley

It Happened In...

by Michael R. Bradley

This compelling collection of true anecdotes from America's Civil War offers a lively look at thirty unusual, little-known, and bizarre incidents that impacted the course of the war.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Civil War

Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Vanness · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like trivial-pursuit, this is a great source of info. President Lincoln's brother-in-law was a Confederate brigadier general. Gray, Maine has an unknown Southern soldier who they honor. Some sad, some interesting, unique, historical tid-bits. Enjoyable read. Will reread at some time.

[Kayla Barriger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating stories from the Civil War. I really enjoyed it because they are not common stories and the chapters are only about 4 pages long, making it perfect for times when you may be interrupted while reading.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew some of these stories already, but the majority were new to me. I know the author and enjoyed being able to recognize his voice throughout. I feel there was a bit of a Southern slant to emphasize that both enslaved and free black men wanted to serve the South with several references to enslaved men who joined the CSA or who really loved their owners. I, personally, don't buy into this as most wouldn't have had much choice. Other than this and the use of Southern names for some battles known today by their Northern names, particularly Antietam and Bull Run, I really enjoyed this short-chaptered, quick-read book.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a smaller book, with short stories of events and people in the time of the Civil War. One example was Emma Seelye, who served in the Union army as a man. She spied for the North, disguising herself as a slave, and going behind the lines to see the fortifications in Yorktown. Later, she disguised herself as an Irish baker woman, and was asked by a dying Confederate to deliver his watch to a friend on General Richard Ewell's staff. This enabled him to get into the general's headquarters, to obtain troop information. Other stories are about Lincoln's request for "Dixie" to be played, and the acts of Harriet Tubman. Stories about the North and the South make every day life during the war seem real.

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting anecdotes about the war between the states. Some I knew, some I didn't, and some corrected facts I knew incorrectly. Reading this just made me sad to realize that all the memorials put up for the Confederacy are being torn down. They are a part of history, an ugly part, but history nonetheless. Are we to destroy all history we are not proud of? How about instead of tearing down the monument we add to them to "clear-up" or to correct misinformation. Just because they lost doesn't make them less American, regardless of color, religion, North or South.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book was my membership gift from Civil War Trust. I knew some of the facts in here but quite a few were new to me. Quick, fun read. If you like historical trivia it's a good little book to pick up.