The Rebel Yell and the Yankee Hurrah

by John Wesley Haley, Ruth L. Silliker (Editor)

Shares a Maine volunteer's experiences during the Civil War, including his regiment's participation at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Battle of the Wilderness, and Appomattox

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Civil War

311 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1985

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure, an absolute treasure. This has joined my best books ever in the world shelf. Haley, a simple yet keen observer of human nature and both subtle and great events has invited us to a view of a few years of his life. I have never seen the American Civil War and heard the bullets "whish" by or feel the exhaustion he endured, the loss, the small blessings. Most of all Private Haley has a wicked sense of humor, an apt use of the most amusing slang I've ever read, and a deep sense of humanity and goodness. On that last note I must also add he also reflect social norms of his time and reasons it out according to his understanding. It is odd to read this Union soldiers distinction between slavery and social equality, but offers a critical understanding of the time he lived in. His descriptions of Lincoln riding up to his company on a horse, and of hearing thousands of men in battle will echo in my memory forever.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

These diary entries by a soldier serving in the17th Maine Infantry during the Civil War embed you with the troops as they fight, regroup, and scrounge for supplies. The narrative is straightforward and compelling. A little humor here and there serves to round out the vivid portraits of his compatriots and the officers leading them. Although it has the occasional slow spot, it's still worth five stars because of the intimate nature of Pvt. Haley's account of the war.

[M.L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebel yell and Yankee hurrah was a decent read.
I was looking for more in depth of what the author witnessed during his time in the civil war, such as battles and daily life. Instead he wrote more of the political happenings which is not what I was looking for. Hence the reason for only 4 stars.
But still was a decent read.

[KP · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few discrepancies with dates in this book.

[Jim Bouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Civil War in the words of those who fought it- but not the marquis players! This is a compendium of letters and diaries from the front lines.

Fascinating! An interesting look at how much the attitudes of the everyman toward war, politics and leaders has changed over the last 100 years- and how little they've changed!