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Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection
Smithsonian Civil War is a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book featuring 150 entries in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. From among tens of thousands of Civil War objects in the Smithsonian's collections, curators handpicked 550 items and wrote a unique narrative that begins before the war through the Reconstruction period. The perfect gift book for fathers and history lovers, Smithsonian Civil War combines one-of-a-kind, famous, and previously unseen relics from the war in a truly unique narrative.
Smithsonian Civil War takes the reader inside the great collection of Americana housed at twelve national museums and archives and brings historical gems to light. From the National Portrait Gallery come rare early photographs of Stonewall Jackson and Ulysses S. Grant; from the National Museum of American History, secret messages that remained hidden inside Lincoln's gold watch for nearly 150 years; from the National Air and Space Museum, futuristic Civil War-era aircraft designs. Thousands of items were evaluated before those of greatest value and significance were selected for inclusion here. Artfully arranged in 150 entries, they offer a unique, panoramic view of the Civil War.
Smithsonian Civil War takes the reader inside the great collection of Americana housed at twelve national museums and archives and brings historical gems to light. From the National Portrait Gallery come rare early photographs of Stonewall Jackson and Ulysses S. Grant; from the National Museum of American History, secret messages that remained hidden inside Lincoln's gold watch for nearly 150 years; from the National Air and Space Museum, futuristic Civil War-era aircraft designs. Thousands of items were evaluated before those of greatest value and significance were selected for inclusion here. Artfully arranged in 150 entries, they offer a unique, panoramic view of the Civil War.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2013
About the author
Smithsonian Institution
3,730 books45 followersFounded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution or simply the Smithsonian is a group of museums, education and research centres created by the United States federal government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge"
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 19, 2015
This book presents 150 artifacts (or groups of artifacts) connected with the American Civil War. The items are held by the Smithsonian. Each item has roughly a page of text occupied with it. The items were selected by members of the various museums, including the African-American museum that will open in 2016.
It is an awesome book. There is everything from saddles and guns, to a violin brought by an African-American union solider that has the list of battles he front in on the back. While some of the artifacts are famous – such as Lincoln’s hat or the famous picture of the slave Gordon with the heavily scarred back – others are not – such as the canteen with a picture or the hard tack used as a frame. Some items are on displayed at the various Smithsonian buildings, some are not.
The book covers not only the Civil War, but events leading up to it – including John Quincy Adams’ stance on slavery – as well as the Reconstruction era. Despite the relatively short amount of text, there is wealth of information here, including some unknown stories that bring greater feeling to the Civil War.
The book is the type where you will say, “just one more” and then two hours later you are finished.
Note: The edition I read was brought directly from the Smithsonian. According to the book, this includes an additional 16 pages of interviews with various people who helped select items, and these are not included in the non-Smithsonian editions. These interviews contain further details and pictures. Some of the stories are interesting, including the one about an overseer’s wife and her reaction to the slaves’ freedom.
It is an awesome book. There is everything from saddles and guns, to a violin brought by an African-American union solider that has the list of battles he front in on the back. While some of the artifacts are famous – such as Lincoln’s hat or the famous picture of the slave Gordon with the heavily scarred back – others are not – such as the canteen with a picture or the hard tack used as a frame. Some items are on displayed at the various Smithsonian buildings, some are not.
The book covers not only the Civil War, but events leading up to it – including John Quincy Adams’ stance on slavery – as well as the Reconstruction era. Despite the relatively short amount of text, there is wealth of information here, including some unknown stories that bring greater feeling to the Civil War.
The book is the type where you will say, “just one more” and then two hours later you are finished.
Note: The edition I read was brought directly from the Smithsonian. According to the book, this includes an additional 16 pages of interviews with various people who helped select items, and these are not included in the non-Smithsonian editions. These interviews contain further details and pictures. Some of the stories are interesting, including the one about an overseer’s wife and her reaction to the slaves’ freedom.
May 30, 2014
Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection by The Smithsonian Institute
368 pages
★★★★
This is a table-top book of the United States Civil War presented by the Smithsonian Institute in honor of the 150 year anniversary of the war (abouts – next year will be the 150 year anniversary of the end of the war). Within the book are photos of artifacts along with the story and description of said artifacts.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a big book so I could only read it at certain times as I had no urge to lug this one around town for appointments and such. The photos are great, some of the artifacts are well known and often seen at the museum (Lincoln’s top hat for instance) while others were obscure and usually in storage. It took a lot of people and a lot of time to make this book. The writing, while short, is interesting and I feel I learned a little something about the war, surprising given my college degree (History with a focus on US history). If you’re a history geek like me, I think you will enjoy it. Be warned, it comes with a fairly hefty price tag given its size and high quality photos and paper – I suggest checking it out from your library if possible.
368 pages
★★★★
This is a table-top book of the United States Civil War presented by the Smithsonian Institute in honor of the 150 year anniversary of the war (abouts – next year will be the 150 year anniversary of the end of the war). Within the book are photos of artifacts along with the story and description of said artifacts.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a big book so I could only read it at certain times as I had no urge to lug this one around town for appointments and such. The photos are great, some of the artifacts are well known and often seen at the museum (Lincoln’s top hat for instance) while others were obscure and usually in storage. It took a lot of people and a lot of time to make this book. The writing, while short, is interesting and I feel I learned a little something about the war, surprising given my college degree (History with a focus on US history). If you’re a history geek like me, I think you will enjoy it. Be warned, it comes with a fairly hefty price tag given its size and high quality photos and paper – I suggest checking it out from your library if possible.
October 26, 2013
In 150 slim chapters, beginning with the Smithsonian before the Civil War to the creation of the Lincoln penny, some very remarkable objects and their stories are revealed in Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection. The Institution was a creature of antebellum politics. Slave holding Congressmen resisted the passage of the 1846 Congressional bill to establish the Smithsonian Institution. Yet the future president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, was the regent of the Smithsonian from 1847 to 1851; his circa 1855 photographic portrait graces an early page of the book. During the war years the Smithsonian Secretary was Joseph Henry who was a vocal advocate of slavery; he and his family lived the the building that included a museum, a library and other facilities. Henry refused to fly the U.S. flag over the building. He believed that the flag was an invitation for Confederates to fire on the building and its neighborhood.
Generally, the chapters consist of one page of narrative and one to three pages of photographs of objects. For example Chapter 10, John Brown, has one page of narrative divided into two columns; between the columns is a photo of one 950 pikes "that Brown acquired to arm slaves incited to rebel by his rat on Harper's Ferry." The second page is a photographic image of Brown [not bearded] taken in the mid-1850s by Augustus Washington, and African American. The third and fourth pages includes a small photographic image of Brown [bearded] taken in 1858, photos of weapons used by Brown in Kansas [44. caliber Sharps rifle, 52 caliber Sharps carbine, .31 caliber six -shot revolver] and August 10 1857 personal letter from John Brown to George Stearns regarding funds that bought the arms used in Kansas.
The150 chapter capture hundreds of unique items in the Smithsonian's collection. Chapters such as The Fire-Eaters' War, the Wartime Patent Office, the Telegraph at War, and Appomattox Paroles offer unique documents, devices and and military accouterments. Indeed, there is something for everyone in Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection. Currency and postage stamp printing plates, children toys, a soldier's photographic image in a hardtack frame, a variety of telegraph keys, two intact Minie balls that collided in flight, printing presses that accompanied armies, and a small wooden drum that held slips of paper which identified Union men eligible for the military draft are just a few of the hundreds of objects that tell a stories in Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection. Some are amazingly unique. Federal soldier Solomon Conn of Company B, 87th Indiana purchase on May 1, 1863 in Nashville a violin to share with others because he never in his life learned to play the instrument but, its back he inscribed all the battles in he carried the fiddle. The entire back is full. in 1988 his heirs gave the instrument to the Smithsonian Institution.
Readers of all ages will find delights, new information and unique images between the covers of Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection.
Generally, the chapters consist of one page of narrative and one to three pages of photographs of objects. For example Chapter 10, John Brown, has one page of narrative divided into two columns; between the columns is a photo of one 950 pikes "that Brown acquired to arm slaves incited to rebel by his rat on Harper's Ferry." The second page is a photographic image of Brown [not bearded] taken in the mid-1850s by Augustus Washington, and African American. The third and fourth pages includes a small photographic image of Brown [bearded] taken in 1858, photos of weapons used by Brown in Kansas [44. caliber Sharps rifle, 52 caliber Sharps carbine, .31 caliber six -shot revolver] and August 10 1857 personal letter from John Brown to George Stearns regarding funds that bought the arms used in Kansas.
The150 chapter capture hundreds of unique items in the Smithsonian's collection. Chapters such as The Fire-Eaters' War, the Wartime Patent Office, the Telegraph at War, and Appomattox Paroles offer unique documents, devices and and military accouterments. Indeed, there is something for everyone in Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection. Currency and postage stamp printing plates, children toys, a soldier's photographic image in a hardtack frame, a variety of telegraph keys, two intact Minie balls that collided in flight, printing presses that accompanied armies, and a small wooden drum that held slips of paper which identified Union men eligible for the military draft are just a few of the hundreds of objects that tell a stories in Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection. Some are amazingly unique. Federal soldier Solomon Conn of Company B, 87th Indiana purchase on May 1, 1863 in Nashville a violin to share with others because he never in his life learned to play the instrument but, its back he inscribed all the battles in he carried the fiddle. The entire back is full. in 1988 his heirs gave the instrument to the Smithsonian Institution.
Readers of all ages will find delights, new information and unique images between the covers of Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection.
April 3, 2014
I started this book actually yesterday but didn't realize that I hadn't added it. This book is amazing! I'm a big history buff and all of the knowledge involving what led up to the Civil War and interesting facts of what happened through out the war and afterwards. Some of the artifacts they show are incredible. I'll have to go visit the Smithsonian soon just to see more amazing historical pieces, inventions, and whatnot.
I recommend this book to fellow history buffs, especially those who like anything involving the Civil War.
I recommend this book to fellow history buffs, especially those who like anything involving the Civil War.
June 12, 2025
I really liked this book, it was facinating to learn about the civil war and this book TRULY brings the civil war to life with artifacts, photos, letters, and personal items that tell the stories of soldiers and leaders and everyday people in one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. Books like this make me wonder why people don't like history that much since it is truly facinating!
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed looking at the different artifacts and historical pieces from the Civil War. There were times where I stopped to read more about them but overall just stocked to the descriptions and pictures as the book was HUGE! Really cool book nonetheless
February 27, 2015
As the introduction by noted historian Jon Meacham mentions, this book strives to be a museum exhibit in book form, an achievement it well reaches. Following the Civil War chronologically, this book offers the best of The Smithsonian Institution's Civil War artifacts. One marvels over the variety and significance of the relics, including the hat Abraham Lincoln wore to Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865, the night of his assassination, and curiosities like prototypes of helicopters that were proposed for use by the Union Army. The Smithsonian collection is, literally, filled with national treasures, and they're ours from which to learn and enjoy. If you are at all interested in our nation's history, particularly, of course, the Civil War era, you must not miss reading this book.
January 8, 2014
Teton County Call #973.7074
Adam's review: 5 stars
Even though you're not supposed to read a coffee table book cover to cover, I couldn't put this one down. Told chronologically from before the war started to after the death of Lincoln, this museum-in-a-book gives the reader the artifacts, photographs and stories that piece together this history of America's first modern war. It allows us to feel the conflicts and emotions of that time in a way a book of strictly text can never do. For anyone with a remote interest in days gone by, you'll love this book for more time than it takes you to drink a cup of coffee.
Adam's review: 5 stars
Even though you're not supposed to read a coffee table book cover to cover, I couldn't put this one down. Told chronologically from before the war started to after the death of Lincoln, this museum-in-a-book gives the reader the artifacts, photographs and stories that piece together this history of America's first modern war. It allows us to feel the conflicts and emotions of that time in a way a book of strictly text can never do. For anyone with a remote interest in days gone by, you'll love this book for more time than it takes you to drink a cup of coffee.
January 8, 2014
Teton County Call #973.7074
Adam's review: 5 stars
Even though you're not supposed to read a coffee table book cover to cover, I couldn't put this one down. Told chronologically from before the war started to after the death of Lincoln, this museum-in-a-book gives the reader the artifacts, photographs and stories that piece together this history of America's first modern war. It allows us to feel the conflicts and emotions of that time in a way a book of strictly text can never do. For anyone with a remote interest in days gone by, you'll love this book for more time than it takes you to drink a cup of coffee.
Adam's review: 5 stars
Even though you're not supposed to read a coffee table book cover to cover, I couldn't put this one down. Told chronologically from before the war started to after the death of Lincoln, this museum-in-a-book gives the reader the artifacts, photographs and stories that piece together this history of America's first modern war. It allows us to feel the conflicts and emotions of that time in a way a book of strictly text can never do. For anyone with a remote interest in days gone by, you'll love this book for more time than it takes you to drink a cup of coffee.
March 9, 2014
Wonderful book about the Civil War artifacts that are stored at the Smithsonian Institution. The curators selected the items that were important to show the public that tells the story and history
Of the Civil War. Published to tribute the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the artifacts pictured from Abraham Lincoln hat he wore to Ford's theatre to Robert E. Lee's binoculars these artifacts are outstanding and so is this book.
Of the Civil War. Published to tribute the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the artifacts pictured from Abraham Lincoln hat he wore to Ford's theatre to Robert E. Lee's binoculars these artifacts are outstanding and so is this book.
October 19, 2015
Through the descriptions of 150 objects the book gives the opportunity to get a better knowledge of the Civil War as a whole and of some of its topics in particular. It covers military, political and practical aspects (such as uniforms, food, music, the use of photography to document the war, and the like) that concerned the conflict. A very interesting collection accompanied by well written texts.
December 27, 2013
This is an excellent book. The photography is mesmerizing and the writing well done. The book helped me understand the effect the war had on civilians and combatants caught between traditions and emerging industrial technologies.
August 9, 2016
Another free download on Amazon Kindle books. A Fire or above is a must since it includes pictures throughout. A short book but with some quite interesting facts.
There is no true "end reading" date as I read, skimmed, hopped around several times.
There is no true "end reading" date as I read, skimmed, hopped around several times.
December 31, 2013
An excellent resource book, especially if you are interested in high quality images of photographs/artifacts from the period.
January 29, 2014
If you can visit the collection in person the photos of the artifacts in this book do it justice, and the accompanying info/stories are just as fascinating.
March 16, 2014
A great book to sit and leisurely thumb through. It's packed with information and superb images.
October 19, 2014
Fascinating pictorial book on Smithsonian Inst's collection of Civil war artifacts and documents, both well known and rather obscure. This is a must for any CW enthusiast.
October 31, 2014
Picture book full of the artifacts from the civil war which are housed in the Smithsonian Museum.
Non-fiction
Non-fiction
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews