Customer Reviews

Eyewitness: Civil War

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think that with the topic of the Civil War the DK Eyewitness Book series has met its match. The goal of these wonderfully illustrated books is to give readers the equivalent of going to a museum, albeit one that is able to collect photographs, paintings, and artifacts from dozens of choice sources. However, when you are dealing with a topic as large as the Civil War all you can really do is scratch the surface and provide readers with a general introduction. "Civil War" is definitely not the first book a young student would turn to for information about the topic, but for those whose previous readings have kindled a passion for this pivotal period in American history this book will be a treat, primarily in its depiction of artifacts. Young Civil War buffs will already be familiar with the portraits of the Union and Confederate generals, and many of the photographs and etchings will be familiar from other illustrated works. Consequently, they will find the contemporary photographs of priceless historic artifacts to more interesting that the familiar period illustrations.

This photo-filled guide focuses each two-page spread on particular topics ranging from the Underground Railroad and how both sides raised armies to black volunteers and field artillery. The war itself is reduced to the battles of Bull Run and Gettysburg, the siege of Vicksburg, Sherman's March to the Sea, and Lee's surrender. Again, this underscores that this is a supplemental volume and not a primary source of information about the Civil War. The rule of thumb here is that the less you know about the Civil War the more you will be impressed with this volume, because the more you know the more likely you have already encountered most of the information and illustrations contained herein. I also think that this particular volume tries a bit too hard. Case in point, the famous engraving of Senator Charles Sumner being attacked by South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks with a cane on the floor of the U.S. Senate colors in the two main figures, and other illustrations have been colorized as well.

However, all of this simply goes to underscore that the great value of the DK Eyewitness Books series is that they show us things we have never seen and in my case this particular subject is one that has already exposed me to a lot of what we find in this book. Several volumes in this format could have been devoted to the topic of the Civil War, so I would not be surprised if somewhere down the road some companion volumes to this effort were produced.

DK is great at creating books full of high-quality photos. This book includes great photos of Civil War soldiers in their uniforms. It also has photos of soldiers lying dead on a battlefield and a Southern home riddled with holes from canon fire, photos I had never seen in my history books. It has good, close-up photos and drawings of the guns, grenades, hardtack biscuits and other everyday items used by soldiers back then. Very interesting!

DK has a great formula for introducing topics to kids. Beautiful graphics, excellent layout and good summaries of important facts surrounding their topics.

Such is the same for their Civil War book. For the child wanting (or needing) an introduction to the Civil War this book will serve well. The pictures draw the attention of the browser and the text gives a pretty good brief summary of the why, who and what for the reader.

An excellent addition for your child's library.

I bought this book for my Grandson, he is 8, loves to read and like all great kids has some very detailed questions he would like answered,
There is a entire series of these "Eye Witness" books.
They are great.

He had his questions answered about what cannons and swords are like, and yes he understands now people die and he also understands what a Patriot is and that sometimes a mans duty is to protect his family and Country at all costs.

But it's not a bloody gory book, It's reality and done very well,
It's about 80 pages, He read it in 2 days tops and remembered everything in the book,
Check this series out, I was and am very impressed with them.
They have books on many topics of wars and conflicts we have been in as a Country. A outstanding reality History book for a change that speaks the truth in the details a 8 year old is satisfied with.

These books always excite my 11 year old--who usually fights reading! the pictures and how all the little pieces on the page all fit together, keeps him asking, "well, what about this part, mom?"

When I purchased this book I did not realize it was for children. It is avery good book for younger readers.

I have a matter of fact child that just does not like fiction. He loves the Eye-Witness books and this one has not failed to please. He has really enjoyed looking at the pictures of the weapons in particular. The photography is incredible in this book.

In fact, the book spurred his interest and I spotted him looking up some items on the Internet that he had seen in the book so he could read about them further. Any book that does that- encourages learning and discovery- certainly deserves the highest rating!

I'm using this book as part of a theme unit for my homeschooling son. We are also using Joy Hakim's War, Terrible War from the History of US series.

My son is a history buff at age 9. So these books are great for him. He loves the pictures. Highly recommend.

The book was in very good condition, I bought it for our school library, and I am sure the children will be thrilled to take it out. Thank You