From Fields of Fire and Glory: Letters of the Civil War

by Rod Gragg

A young soldier, mortally wounded, pens a last letter to his beloved father from the battlefield. That letter, along with 19 others from the Civil War, are reproduced here in facsimile for readers to open, remove, and read, just as the original recipients did. Conveying the personal drama behind the battles of the Civil War with unrivaled verisimilitude, this unusual volume reveals the triumphs, loneliness, fears, and struggles of ordinary men and women facing their role in history, such as a letter from a former slave to his wife, ringing with hope for a future of freedom together. Renowned Civil War historian Rod Gragg places each letter in its historical context with short essays describing the perspectives of both Confederate and Union troops. He also includes biographical information, when available, about the letter writers themselves. Archival photographs offer portraits of camp life, the soldiers, and the battlefields. An exceptionally compelling and accessible look at Civil War history, From Fields of Fire and Glory recreates the experience of living through this remarkable time and makes both a sound introduction to the era and a fitting complement to any Civil War library.

Genres: Civil War, Nonfiction, War

64 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Cindy Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read. Interesting that the publisher put copies of the letters soldiers wrote home, and happy that there was also a transcript included as most of them had faded to the point they were almost illegible. But reading these letters feels so personal and immediate, and gives a good representation of the horrific times these people lived in. I couldn't help thinking about how unsettled our present times are, and wish more people would read accounts like these, and realize we never, ever, want to go through such a tragical era in our country's history again.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels like an overpriced book that would be sold at the end of a small civil war museum tour.

The photos are common, the writing about the conflict is flat, but the letters themselves are wonderful (and there are many of them). The publisher has transcribed all of them, which is needed since the original script is barely legible, and has also taken on the interesting task of replicating what the letters physically looked like, burned holes and all.

Normally that would be gimmicky, but it is done so well that instead it adds to the authenticity of the letters, taking you back to their origins, which makes this otherwise vapid attempt at civil war history quite valuable.

If you are a fan of letters and history, you will want to consider adding this to your collection.

[aMandalin]

I purchased this book at a library book sale. I had never seen it before, but I am sure glad I came upon it! It is AMAZING! In it are nearly twenty identical copies of letters from soldiers, commanders and generals of the Cival War. It has detailed pictures printed in the books along with the stories behind the letters. VeRy CoOl! =D I love history, but this one is a winner!

[D.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting because it includes reproductions of letters written by common soldiers during the Civil War (as opposed to famous officers and politicians), but a little boring at points.