The Civil War Chronicle

by J. Matthew Gallman

In this moving day-by-day chronicle, we hear the real voices of the soldiers, nurses, farmers, laborers, slaves, and freed people who lived through America's most tragic conflict. This much-needed collection of the letters, diaries, speeches, telegrams, newspaper accounts, and official battlefield reports penned by those people presents an astonishing array of perspectives and conflicting accounts of this very personal war. Hundreds of period black and white images enhance the firstperson accounts and help recapture the texture of life at all levels and on both sides of the Civil War.

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction

544 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2000

About the author

J. Matthew Gallman, also known as Matt Gallman, is an American educator and author of books about nineteenth-century history, particularly relating to the American Civil War.

Reviews

[Mark Hodges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I found this to be bit dull and lacking in general. What seems like a good idea - a day-by-day "portrait" - is actually better in theory rather than in practice. First of all, it's not an actual chronicle, per se. It's more of a general overview that touches on different aspects of the war as it progresses - letters, speeches, anecdotes, etc. Sometimes it's interesting, but many times it just rambles along rabbit trails that don't really add much to the overall narrative at hand. It's more of a hodgepodge type of gathering that lacks focus and direction, and for this I think it suffers.

I'm not sure if a true day-to-day chronology would be an improvement (or even interesting), but I think it would at least have a centralized theme.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only day-by-day portrait of America's tragic conflict as told by soldiers, journalists, politicians, farmers, nurses, slaves and other eyewitnesses. I only read sections--copied section on Battle of Kennesaw Mountain into my ancester's genealogy sheet who was wounded at that battle. May need to use again for other Civil War soldiers in my ancestry. Wonderful book!

[John Danek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of writings of both official communications, newspaper editorials and personal mindsets, of the cross-section of people types of the era, from presidents and generals, upper ranks of society, to lower ranks of both military and civilians, enslaved and free, female and male alike. Format is presented chronologically, with some but not all calendar dates of significance.

With each selected date, the first section is one to several paragraphs in boldfaced, italicized type describing actual events and referencing the origins of the writing to follow; second, standard type reflecting military communiques, direct orders, speeches, newspaper articles and editorials, diary entries, and letters reflecting personal views, as well as written pleas for specific considerations from interested or aggrieved parties.

This is not a detailed compendium of battles, military or political, though certainly several are presented based upon correspondence selected. The book presents a patchwork of views, from moderate to extreme, on either side of the slavery issue, to battle reports and ever-present political commentary. There is no lack of documented opinion.

Illustrations in the form of period art and photography break up the text and add relief to what can be a monotonous reading pattern, helping to move the material along.

Some writings are factual and informative, others are specific requests regarding practical issues of self-interest. Some are sparse; others wordy or flowery in eloquence, approaching the upper limits of this reader’s tolerance of hyperbole.

God, who often gets invoked in war, is a prominent topic and hopeful advocate for either side, depending upon the writer’s background and religious/military/political/economic views.

In short, it reveals, whether it is the 1860s or the 2020s, that people remain the same, and are prone to exaggeration, bias and all but convinced of their self-righteousness. And yes, one can also find the writings of some kind, altruistic souls as well.

This is NOT a Civil War history. It’s a collection of thoughts and writings of selections from the gamut of the population of the both the United and the Confederate American States of the 1860s during The Civil War.

[Dianeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to agree with Mark’s review. This book seemed to ramble around from unrelated events. Although there were many poignant letters and dairy entries.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great history of the events of the Civil War. I liked how this book was laid out in chronological order so that you know what events occurred when. In addition, it was nice to be able to see what events were occurring simultaneously. The best part of this book, however, was the fact that it was filled with primary sources. The speeches, as well as diaries, and letters of correspondence between people help you to know what people were thinking and feeling. It was like reading history, but also being there and experiencing it too.

There were numerous wonderful pictures in the book which I really enjoyed, but I would have liked some maps to help me visualize where the events took place.

[Bob Stockton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only are the primary events of the war discussed, this book includes a number facts that I'm sure will be new to even students of the period. A good mix of contempary newspaper articles, diary entries, letters, abd offical documents. However, don't start this book unless you have a real interest in the Civil War.

[False · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot about the Civil War. One of my "return" subjects over time. This book chronicles the Civil War, by every day with one or more interesting snippets. A good overall book to start with.

[Alex]

The Civil War Chronicle : The Only Day-by-Day Portrait of America's Tragic Conflict as Told by Soldiers, Journalists, Politicians, Farmers, Nurses, Slaves, and Other Eyewitnesses (2000)

[Zak · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought the book was ok because it had cool pictures, but not very good descriptions.