American Civil War Union Army (History of Uniforms) [Paperback]

Robin Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998 | Series: History of Uniforms

This is a major series of books that provides the most authoritative information on the uniforms and equipment worn by the great armies of the past. Each book is written by a noted authority on the subject and is lavishly illustrated with over 150 color and black-and-white illustrations.

A detailed look at the uniforms and equipment of the regular and the militia regiments, including the American Indian Cavalry units.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Brasseys UK Ltd (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857532198
• ISBN-13: 978-1857532197
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,558,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars detailing the uniforms, October 7, 2000

By 

Eduardo J. Tellez A (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: American Civil War Union Army (History of Uniforms) (Paperback)

This is another great book from Ron Smith,in this book uniforms are examined in terms of style, quality and color. What emerges is a fascinating glimpse on the government' "make do" efforts, ranging from the exotic to the hilarious. Federal troops often sported uniforms with strong European ties, including chasseur-style coats and the famous French Zouave outfit. The 39th New York Volunteers wore colorful uniforms copied from the Italian bersaglieri.

When President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to fight the South in April 1861, he placed a heavy burden on an unprepared quartermaster department. Supplies of good-quality cheap cloth for uniforms were lacking. Some states were asked to provide their own uniforms for their recruits, and the quality and variety seemed limitless. Many early Union militia units adopted gray as their dress color, while the quality of material ranged from superior to poor. The North, faced numerous problems in providing uniforms for its troops. States issued jackets, shirts and trousers sewed by womens' volunteer aid societies. A shortage of material meant that a mixture of shades and hues was commonplace.

There are also chapters on the many colourful militia regiments raised to swell the Northern Army, including Zouaves, Chasseurs, Lancers, and Hussars in their own spectacular uniforms as well as the little known role of American Indian Cavalry units

The book contains 150 colour & b/w illustrations(more w/b that colour)if you would like to buy this book you can also consider Don Troiani's Soldiers in America 1754-1865 and Don Troiani's Civil War

5.0 out of 5 stars uniforms in detail, June 14, 2006

By 

Michael N. Ryan (Bel AIr, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Civil War Union Army (History of Uniforms) (Paperback)

A must have for any civil war enthusiast. A comprehensive source of information on the uniforms of the Northern forces.

Extremely well written and very well illustrated.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars -, May 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: UNION ARMY (Brassey's History of Uniforms) (Hardcover)

Thats the best Book about the american civil war, that I read. I recomend it.