Returning to the Civil War: Grand Reenactments of an Anguished Time [Paperback]

Al Thelin (Author), Kent Courtney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997

From the battlefield to the encampment, from the field hospital to the ballroom, the photos & anecdotes in this book bring the experience of Civil War reenacting to life. In reenacting, every battle is played anew, with marches, campaigns, & the battle strategies suited to the specific occasion. Boys & men -- & even a few women -- dress in 1860s uniforms & either sign up as volunteers for the Union or Confederate armies or are drafted into service. Others don period costumes to serve as support for the soldiers in uniform. This is living history at its best. The "I was there" anecdotes of Courtney, a folksinger & historian, will make you feel like a time traveler.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879057831
• ISBN-13: 978-0879057831
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,372,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you're not a reenactor-this book might give you the itch!, May 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Returning to the Civil War: Grand Reenactments of an Anguished Time (Paperback)

"Returning to the Civil War" is a beautiful book of photos that helps to bring America's most tragic episode back to life. Within you will see scenes from battles, camps, dances and the other events that visitors find so magnetic and that historical reenactors can't get enough of. If you're a veteran of "The Hobby" like me, just starting out, or a curious civilian wondering why people do this, or you just love history, Thelin's and Courtney's book is a must see!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable photography, October 14, 2007

By 

Martin C. Mongiello "Friend" (Brussels, Belgium) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Returning to the Civil War: Grand Reenactments of an Anguished Time (Paperback)

I found Al Thelin's dedication to the photography of this book to be incredible. He selected the Civil War Sailor and Marine Magazine and Association (CWSMMA) (www.cwsmma.org) to portray the Union and Confederate Navy and Marines. At his first contact from Utah he mentioned the book and it's writing by Kent Courtney and how he was reveiwing numerous possible Civil War Navy and Marine units, across the USA. We were thrilled to find out we had won the spot to be featured in the new book.

We were shocked at his photography and willingness to get into the action! He worked cannons and mortars and also jumped into boats and was almost crushed by the CSS Alabama (a replica 100 foot 50 ton ship). He left no friendship or stone unturned and was fascinating to listen to as well as learn from. The results of his book and Kent Courtney's work were wonderful.