An Introduction to Civil War Civilians [Paperback]

Juanita Leisch (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 86 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Pubns (February 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939631709
• ISBN-13: 978-0939631704
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent basic reference!, May 9, 2000

By 

Kathryn Coombs (Alexandria, VA (CW clothing collector / amateur clothing historian / CW reenactor)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Civil War Civilians (Paperback)

Great overview of this neglected area of study. If you are thinking of getting into CW civilian reenacting, this is the FIRST book you should buy, as it will familiarize you with the overall cultural and social framework of the era, thereby helping you get your individual interpretation / impression right. The second book you should buy is Juanita's "Who Wore What?" which is the most comprehensive guide to women's clothing by age group and socio-economic class currently available.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Title Says It All, August 30, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: An Introduction to Civil War Civilians (Paperback)

I purchased this book at my first real Civil War reenactment at the Civil War Muster in Jackson, Michigan. Since my wife and I are portraying civilians and our eldest son is a Union soldier this book came quite handy. What I like most is how it delves into the psyche of the people of the times - how they thought and why they thought the way they did - as this has certainly helped in the accuracy of our portrayal of 1860's civilians, especially for my wife who has never really been very much into history (although she is now!). Where most books give information of the times, this one by Juanita Leisch helps one to live and act as a person of the past.
If I had one complaint it would be the length - I wish it were a bit longer. But that is a minor thing; the author packs a wallup in these 81 pages that encyclopedias barely touch!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guidebook, August 12, 2004

By 

Fruit Loop (Down South) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Civil War Civilians (Paperback)

This is an excellent overview of civilian customs, fashions, etiquette, and the mindset of the times. Highly recommend.