From Fields of Fire and Glory: Letters of the Civil War [Hardcover]

Rod Gragg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2002

A young soldier, mortally wounded, pens a last letter to his beloved father from the battlefield. That letter, along with 19 others from the Civil War, are reproduced here in facsimile for readers to open, remove, and read, just as the original recipients did. Conveying the personal drama behind the battles of the Civil War with unrivaled verisimilitude, this unusual volume reveals the triumphs, loneliness, fears, and struggles of ordinary men and women facing their role in history, such as a letter from a former slave to his wife, ringing with hope for a future of freedom together. Renowned Civil War historian Rod Gragg places each letter in its historical context with short essays describing the perspectives of both Confederate and Union troops. He also includes biographical information, when available, about the letter writers themselves. Archival photographs offer portraits of camp life, the soldiers, and the battlefields. An exceptionally compelling and accessible look at Civil War history, From Fields of Fire and Glory recreates the experience of living through this remarkable time and makes both a sound introduction to the era and a fitting complement to any Civil War library.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lincoln spoke his address at Gettysburg 139 years ago this fall. As the years since the War Between the States increase, it becomes more important to seize the threads of history before they fade and unravel. From Fields of Fire and Glory offers 20 letters from the war, reproduced in color from the originals, with typed transcriptions of the combatants' penned words. Tucked into pockets, on pages with photographs of the correspondents and context, the letters are both poignant and graphic, giving details that will delight war buffs and scholars.
Even the rebel papers admit that Lee has his match in Gen Meade, & has been foiled in every attempt to surprise or flank him. I only hope the Blubber heads at Washington will leave Meade where he is.
The history is not limited to just the winning side or that of the oft-romanticized loser; North and South, navy and infantry, officer and private, homefront and warfront are all represented. Jacob Harvey, in a letter to his wife in 1865, wrote, "I would rather talk with you one hour than rite a dozen leters [sic]." While we would rather talk with Harvey and his comrades for one hour than read a dozen letters, this book is a welcome substitute. -The Bloomsbury Review

About the Author

Rod Gragg is an award-winning Civil War historian who has written a number of books on the subject including The Civil War Quiz and Fact Book . He lives in South Carolina.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811833607
• ISBN-13: 978-0811833608
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 22 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #554,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humbling, January 16, 2005

By 

Ken Roberts "social historian" (Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: From Fields of Fire and Glory: Letters of the Civil War (Hardcover)

There are not many books that bring the Civil War to life in such a way as this one does by Rod Gragg. To read the actual letters written by Civil War soldiers - both North and South - in their own hand is one of the most humbling experiences this social historian has ever had in studying history. Letters describing battles, life in camp, camaraderie between soldiers, and a particularly gruesome first person account by a Quaker nurse's experiences during surgery. One very sad letter written by a dying soldier (who's own blood stained the letter itself) told his father of "the particulars of my death. I would like to rest in the grave yard with my dear mother and brothers...Let us all try to reunite in heaven..."
First person accounts such as these gave me quite a humbling experience. Then to have the photographs and a bit of biographical information of those who wrote these vignetts of a long ago time just about brings it all home.
I cannot recommend enough this truly amazing book. It gives one a whole new perspective of the War Between the States (as it was known then), every bit as much as Ken Burn's documentary.
If there ever was a book that brings the past to life, this is it.