Hardtack and Coffee is a humourous account of a soldier's life during the Civil War, as told by a veteran of the Union Army of the Potomac. The author expounds on the most interesting topics NOT usually found in history books - clothing and shelter, the many aspects of life in camp and on the march, offences and punishments, and how the soldiers dealt with such adversities as body lice and army food. Though originally published in 1888, Hardtack and Coffee has lost nothing of its original charm. John Billings' keen eye, his sparkling, fresh style and seemingly unlimited supply of fascinating Civil War anecdotes made Hardtack and Coffee an instant bestseller in 1888. You, too, will not be able to put this book down until you have turned the last page.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
John D. Billings was born in Canton, MA in 1842. In 1862, he enlisted in the 10th Massachusetts Artillery and mustered out in 1865.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Civil War from the soldier's point of view,
By
This review is from: Hardtack and Coffee (CD-ROM)
There are numerous histories of the Civil War and some have become classics. Most of these focus on battles and great heroes. Billings, however, a Civil War veteran, writes about the daily life of the average soldier. We learn about the soldier's motivation to fight, camp discipline, diet, housing, medical care, recreation and just about everything else that comprised the life of the Civil War era soldier. Billings' book is serious yet he manages to write in a lighthearted tone, replete with levity. This is a great book to round out a Civil War buff's study of the great conflict.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not for the casual reader, but a must for the fanatic,
By
This review is from: Hardtack & Coffee or The Unwritten Story of Army Life (Paperback)
I teach a university class on the experience of the American Civil War, and I use sections of this book to illustrate camp life and the life of the average soldier.Billings tells his story as a humanist and has a real eye for detail. His descriptions (and the illustrations) are invaluable. This book is not for someone with only a passing interest in the American Civil War; one must know something of the era to appreciate it. It is a must-read for a true fanatic.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Fun for All Ages!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Hardtack & Coffee or The Unwritten Story of Army Life (Paperback)
I would have loved to had this book when I was a child. The non-linearity of the chapters makes it a perfect "browser's book" -- a book which you can pick up and flip open to any page and read interesting, amusing and humorous accounts of day to day life in the Civil War army. This is one of the most fun books I've picked up in a long time.
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