Under Both Flags: A Panorama of the Great Civil War as Represented in Story, Anecdote, Adventure, and the Romance of Reality

by C.R. Graham (Editor)

The first-person accounts in this historical work provide a primary source for the war that forever changed the United States of America. The stories gathered together in the years leading up to this collection’s first publication in 1896 came directly from veterans who fought for the Union or the Confederacy. From flaming shells and shrapnel, to the smoky air after cannon fire, these brutal, vivid accounts of the civil war from both soldiers and their commanders bring the reader onto the battlefield and, with each fallen soldier, demonstrate the cost of war.

Making sense of such violent and deep divisions in our culture is as relevant today as it was during the turbulent times of this young nation. Presented in an unbiased format with unaltered stories, Under Both Flags: Personal Stories of Sacrifice and Struggle During the Civil War provides readers a chance to understand both sides of the conflict. The Civil War was an emotional war that struck at the hearts of our ancestors, pitting brothers against brothers, and uncles against nephews. The deep roiling tensions that led to the Civil War took decades to heal from and the scars left behind can still be seen on old battlefields today. These honest accounts are a unique collection that will prove an invaluable reference for Civil War enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Genres: History, Civil War

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1896

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally published in 1896, "Under Both Flags: A Panorama of the Great Civil War as Represented in Story, Anecdote, Adventure & the Romance of Reality" is perhaps one of the most important books you'll ever read regarding the Civil War & also the most frustrating at times. The book itself is a collection of personal recollections of the various battles & moments from throughout the war as well as moments of soldiers meeting up well after the battles in some cases that the fought on opposite sides of. Interspersed throughout the book are various poems that were relevant to that era as well as a collection of the common battle songs. What makes this book so hard to read at times is that for someone in the 21st century, late 19th century formatting makes the book tedious. Also, the book is in so random an order it almost makes me wish that the original authors would've taken the time to do so since it would've perhaps made this book a little easier to follow. At over 500 pages, this book will require a lot of patience & plodding to get through (it took me off & on nearly 5 months to complete it), but if you can you'll gain a much different perspective on the Civil War.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy of this old book is dated 1896 and is a fun read. Not sure where I got it anymore, but is is locked up - not in good shape - binding torn and pages loose in some places. But an interesting memory book of those who served and watched the war.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and epic stories of the American Civil War as told from both sides by the soldiers on the fields. Many a great story of heroism and simply being human in a rough point in history.