Civil War Soldier

Foreword by James I. Robertson, Jr. 8 x 11 75 b/w photos 56 color photo "Ray Carson has done a commendable job in portraying the common soldiers of the Civil War. It is impossible to capture the full depth of feeling experienced by the men of blue and gray, but the images herein give a clearer picture of army life and field service than is usually found in modern studies." -James I. Robertson, Jr., author of Soldiers Blue and Gray Many Civil War books highlight tactics, battles, and major figures, often ignoring the millions of individual soldiers who fought and sacrificed anonymously. But through combining stark, unposed photographs of Civil War reenactors with sound historical research, photographer and reenactor Ray Carson has captured the reality of the common soldier's life. The book combines the intimacy and intensity of modern photojournalism with the historical feel of 1860s photography. Photographs of camp life, daily activities, medical care, and battle are supplemented with text gleaned from primary sources such as soldiers' diaries and letters. Ray Carson has exhibited his photographs in galleries throughout the U.S. and has been published in national magazines, including Discovery, Archaeology, and U.S. News & World Report.

Adult/High School-Mathew Brady's photographs have riveted history buffs for years and they remain a vital source of Civil War information. It can be difficult, however, for young adults to find a commonality with the soldiers portrayed in those photos. The limitations of 19th-century photography and the faces, even young ones, that look so old can make it challenging for students to relate to these warriors who were often little older than themselves. Carson has succeeded in his attempt to rectify this situation. A photojournalist and a Civil War reenactor, he carried his camera equipment in a haversack during various reenactments, enabling him to capture an insider's view of Civil War scenes. Taking the photos in black and white, he then hand colored a number of them using techniques similar to those of the 19th century. The reality of the scenes, especially those of death on the battlefield, is truly compelling. Quotes from the letters and journals of Civil War soldiers, along with their names and the armies to which they were attached, add to the veracity of the scenes portrayed. The book ends with the surrender of the Confederate army and the aftermath for the surviving soldiers. Hard to put down, this book offers a realistic peek into the life and times of the three million young men who, for a grueling five years, fought, marched, and died.-Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.