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Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History
Walk in the footsteps of history with this stunning volume that brings more than thirty Civil War battlefields to life.
From the “First Battle of Bull Run” to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House four years later, this book celebrates the history and scenic beauty of these hallowed grounds in a large-format, beautifully produced volume.
Explore more than thirty Civil War battlefields— from Antietam to Chancellorsville, Gettysburg to Shiloh—including the first five national battlefield parks preserved by veterans in the 1890s. Each battlefield features extensive photos of the key sites and monuments, as well as beautiful landscapes and historic archival photography. The essays enable the reader to understand each battlefield from a strategic perspective—its topography, geography, and military value—the battle’s seminal moments, and its historical significance, and guide the reader on how best to tour the grounds on foot.
With maps, rarely seen archival photos, and stunning contemporary photography, this photo- and information-packed book is an inspirational bucket list for Civil War and history buffs, as well as those who wish to walk in the literal boot steps of American history.
From the “First Battle of Bull Run” to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House four years later, this book celebrates the history and scenic beauty of these hallowed grounds in a large-format, beautifully produced volume.
Explore more than thirty Civil War battlefields— from Antietam to Chancellorsville, Gettysburg to Shiloh—including the first five national battlefield parks preserved by veterans in the 1890s. Each battlefield features extensive photos of the key sites and monuments, as well as beautiful landscapes and historic archival photography. The essays enable the reader to understand each battlefield from a strategic perspective—its topography, geography, and military value—the battle’s seminal moments, and its historical significance, and guide the reader on how best to tour the grounds on foot.
With maps, rarely seen archival photos, and stunning contemporary photography, this photo- and information-packed book is an inspirational bucket list for Civil War and history buffs, as well as those who wish to walk in the literal boot steps of American history.
- GenresCivil War
336 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 23, 2020
What you get here are some serviceable maps and battlefield narratives, but a truly impressive set of photographs. For a person who has walked most of these fields, it was moving in places. I do wish western and coastal battles had received more coverage though.
February 6, 2018
The Civil War and its battlefields (Now National Parks) come to life in this well written and beautifully illustrated book !
The Photography: a touch of the surreal as each photo tells its own story and adds an unforgettable image. The majority of the photos are taken during special times: just after sunrise, twilight, sunset, a mist enveloping the landscape, the moon overhead.
But most important each picture captures the serenity, beauty, stillness and the silence of the place. These were the bloody battlefields of the Civil War where thousands died… and yet there is this beauty in their landscape today as they have been preserved as national parks.
When you read the words you imagine the times… as you flip through the photos you stop… you reflect!
If you have ever been at one of these battlefields you will know. They are almost sacred! There is a stillness and peacefulness as you walk the trails, stop to look at the views, think about the action that took place exactly on where you are standing to mark these places for eternity: here men fought eye to eye, hand to hand… as they stood inches or a few feet from each other as they would either wound or kill that person looking most often...directly into the eyes.
A special bonus of this book is that it highlights the trails a visitor can take at each of the Civil War Battlefields… to truly understand the significance and drama that took place on these fields, pathways, hills, valleys!
Jeff Sharra provides a tremendous overview of our Civil War National Parks and their historic relevance while David Gilbert provides a terrific summary for each chapter detailing the historic facts of each battlefield and what it meant to the overall war effort for both sides.
A must have book for anyone with an interest in the Civil War...
The photography is so stunning that it will be enjoyed by anyone who loves nature, history or just a beautiful scene.
The Photography: a touch of the surreal as each photo tells its own story and adds an unforgettable image. The majority of the photos are taken during special times: just after sunrise, twilight, sunset, a mist enveloping the landscape, the moon overhead.
But most important each picture captures the serenity, beauty, stillness and the silence of the place. These were the bloody battlefields of the Civil War where thousands died… and yet there is this beauty in their landscape today as they have been preserved as national parks.
When you read the words you imagine the times… as you flip through the photos you stop… you reflect!
If you have ever been at one of these battlefields you will know. They are almost sacred! There is a stillness and peacefulness as you walk the trails, stop to look at the views, think about the action that took place exactly on where you are standing to mark these places for eternity: here men fought eye to eye, hand to hand… as they stood inches or a few feet from each other as they would either wound or kill that person looking most often...directly into the eyes.
A special bonus of this book is that it highlights the trails a visitor can take at each of the Civil War Battlefields… to truly understand the significance and drama that took place on these fields, pathways, hills, valleys!
Jeff Sharra provides a tremendous overview of our Civil War National Parks and their historic relevance while David Gilbert provides a terrific summary for each chapter detailing the historic facts of each battlefield and what it meant to the overall war effort for both sides.
A must have book for anyone with an interest in the Civil War...
The photography is so stunning that it will be enjoyed by anyone who loves nature, history or just a beautiful scene.
February 8, 2019
A fascinating the look at the Civil War battlefields which have now become National Parks.
The photography is stunning and easily lets you reflect on the quietness these places now hold. In that stillness you can smell the smoke and fire; hear the screams, blasts of gunfire, yelling etc of the many men, women, animals that lost their lives.
Each area is outlined with a map of the area, gives a detailed description of the event, and each trail through the park is described and mileage. This is not a trail guide book by any means. The Visitor Centers should be availed of park maps and other pertinent literature for the area. But will whet your appetite for travel and history.
Many volunteers and interested parties are helping to preserve this unique part of United States history.
The photography is stunning and easily lets you reflect on the quietness these places now hold. In that stillness you can smell the smoke and fire; hear the screams, blasts of gunfire, yelling etc of the many men, women, animals that lost their lives.
Each area is outlined with a map of the area, gives a detailed description of the event, and each trail through the park is described and mileage. This is not a trail guide book by any means. The Visitor Centers should be availed of park maps and other pertinent literature for the area. But will whet your appetite for travel and history.
Many volunteers and interested parties are helping to preserve this unique part of United States history.
May 22, 2017
Really excellent description of each walking trail at the major battlefield sites. I have not had much opportunity to visit these locations and this book really gave me a good feel for what I will find at each one when I do go; it's also useful if you're trying to plan how much time you should spend at a particular site.
November 21, 2017
I have visited virtually all of the battlefields shown in this book. I was hoping that the book could be used as a guide when visiting the park, but it could not in my view.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews