Daily Life in Civil War America - (Greenwood Press Daily Life Through History) 2nd Edition by Dorothy Volo & James Volo (Hardcover)

About the Book

Based on extensive research into newly discovered documents, this new edition of the popular volume offers an updated look at the daily lives of ordinary citizens caught up in the Civil War.
When first published, Daily Life in Civil War America shifted the spotlight from the conflict's military operations and famous leaders to its affect on day-to-day living. Now this popular, groundbreaking work returns in a thoroughly updated new edition, drawing on an expanded range of journals, journalism, diaries, and correspondence to capture the realities of wartime life for soldiers and citizens, slaves and free persons, women and children, on both sides of the conflict.

In addition to chapter-by-chapter updating, the edition features new chapters on two important topics: the affects of the war on families, focusing on the absence of men on the home front and the plight of nearly 26,000 children orphaned by the war; and the activities of the Copperheads, anti-Confederate border residents, and other Southern pacifist groups.

• Includes excerpts from a wide range of first-person original writings, including diaries, letters, journals, and newspaper articles
• Presents over 50 images, including photographs, posters, and contemporary illustrations, much of it from the author's own collection

Book Synopsis

Based on extensive research into newly discovered documents, this new edition of the popular volume offers an updated look at the daily lives of ordinary citizens caught up in the Civil War.

When first published, Daily Life in Civil War America shifted the spotlight from the conflict's military operations and famous leaders to its affect on day-to-day living. Now this popular, groundbreaking work returns in a thoroughly updated new edition, drawing on an expanded range of journals, journalism, diaries, and correspondence to capture the realities of wartime life for soldiers and citizens, slaves and free persons, women and children, on both sides of the conflict.

In addition to chapter-by-chapter updating, the edition features new chapters on two important topics: the affects of the war on families, focusing on the absence of men on the home front and the plight of nearly 26,000 children orphaned by the war; and the activities of the Copperheads, anti-Confederate border residents, and other Southern pacifist groups.

Review Quotes

". . . this Greenwood Press volume is compact, economical, well written, and serves it stated purpose admirably. Covering a subject of interest among the general public and researchers alike, this book is strongly recommended for purchase by all public and academic libraries." --ARBAonline

"This work on the daily lives of ordinary soldiers and civilians caught up on both sides of the Civil War features about 50 B&W historical photos, posters, and illustrations, many from the authors' own collection. It offers details on food, drink, shelter, recreation, religion, mourning, and the horrors of battle, and spotlights the roles of women, slaves, free persons, and children in the conflict. This second edition draws on additional primary sources; it contains new chapters on the effects of the war on families, and the activities of Southern pacifist groups and anti-Confederate border residents. A chronology and a glossary are included. Dorothy Volo is program coordinator and president of a local historical society." --Reference & Research Book News

About the Author

Dorothy Denneen Volo is a teacher, historian, and living history enthusiast.

James M. Volo is a teacher, lecturer, and historian.