Voices of Civil War America

Gr 10 Up—One of the greatest means for achieving an understanding of a historical period long past is to read the unfiltered, unanalyzed words of people who lived through it, and among the 48 documents provided here is an array of letters and journal entries written by people who existed at and around the time of the Civil War. The selections, which also include newspaper editorials and book chapters, are complemented by absorbing background information (the succeeding bits of which are oddly titled "aftermath"; one wonders if "afterword" is what was intended). The documents are followed by questions, most of which are substantial, to encourage expanded deliberation; they will make excellent fodder for classroom discussion. Additional topics for consideration and suggested activities are included. The book concludes with an appendix of notable profiles. Unfortunately, the text is dotted with typographical errors and misused words, which is a shame because this is otherwise a rich volume of fascinating primary documents and worthwhile ancillary material.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR