Union Cavalryman 1861-65 (Warrior) [Paperback]

Philip Katcher (Author), Richard Hook (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 13, 1995 | Series: Warrior (Book 13)

The bombardment by Confederate artillery of Fort Sumter on 12 April 1861 was the spark that finally ignited the American Civil War (1861-1865), quickly bringing thousands of eager volunteers for the Union cause. It proved especially easy to raise cavalry, since recruits naively believed that their military duties would be easier than in the infantry. This book investigates all aspects of the life and experiences of a Union trooper, covering enlistment, training, uniforms, weapons, cavalry tactics and the discrepancy between the recruit's view of swashbuckling charges and heroic hand-to-hand combat and the less glorious reality.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Insights into the real lives of history's fighting men, packed with full colour illustrations, highly detailed cutaways, exploded artwork of weaponry and armour, and action-packed battle scenes.

About the Author

Philip Katcher was born in Los Angeles, California, to parents involved in the film industry. He was educated at the University of Maryland and served in the US Army in Vietnam. He has also been an active participant in living history activities, especially in the 18th and 19th century periods. He has written a number of books on various periods of US military history and presently is editor/publisher of Military Images Magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (November 13, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855324628
• ISBN-13: 978-1855324626
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,426,683 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 Great Guide for Living Historians, January 19, 2002

By 

Brian J. Behler (Williamsburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Union Cavalryman 1861-65 (Trade Editions) (Paperback)

Although not intended specifically for living history, this is an excellent work for the American Civil War Re-enactor who is getting started and wishes to strive for historical accuracy in a cavalry role. The period pictures and accounts show all types of uniforms, weapons, gear and procedures that a new cavalryman would need to know. The book also makes good contrasts between different gear at different stages in the war, so you can illustrate the difference between a volunteer in 1861 vice a regular in 1865. At first, I wasn't sure if the gear I had purchased from a sutler was correct, but after seeing this book, I now know that it was, and exactly how to wear and use it.
It is also a good read for the general history buff, with many good color paintings mixed in with period B&W photos.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed the book, September 16, 2005

By 

W. F. Johnston (Tacoma, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Union Cavalryman 1861-65 (Trade Editions) (Paperback)

I bought the book because my Great Grandfather was a trooper in the 2nd Iowa Cavalry (mentioned in the book) and I am doing research on him. This book gave me a good idea as to conditions, uniforms and weapons. Also provided a lot of information on camps and training you don't get in books with a strictly "history" presentation on battles, commanders, etc.

If you are interested in the (Union) Civil War Cavalry get this book.