Songs And Stories Of Civil War [Library Binding]

Jerry Silverman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9 A veteran music writer brings together a dozen significant songs from the U.S. Civil War period as the focus of a lively musical history lesson. As in his earlier songbooks covering the westward expansion, the American Revolution, and African-American history, Silverman devotes a short, readable chapter to each of his selections. Among them are tunes from both sides of the conflict ("The Battle Cry of Freedom," "Dixie's Land") and from slave society ("Free at Last"), all set to music, with multiple verses included. The importance of these songs to their original listeners and performers is illustrated through vivid anecdotes of military and civilian life in both the Union and the Confederacy. Lists of recommendations for further listening and reading, crisp black-and-white reproductions of period illustrations and photos, and attractive page layouts add to the appeal of this useful resource. -Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Silverman, who also wrote Songs and Stories of the American Revolution (1994), presents a dozen songs of the Civil War. Each selection is introduced with a chapter detailing its history, commenting on changes and parodies, and relating anecdotes that bring the period into sharper focus. Then the song itself is presented with multiple verses, piano and guitar music, and a list of recommended recordings. Along the way, readers will learn about facets of American life such as the minstrel show ("Dixie's Land") and campaign songs ("Lincoln and Liberty Too"), as well as the importance of the songs to soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. Black-and-white reproductions of period photos, engravings, paintings, and drawings illustrate the text. A good resource offering an interesting sidelight on the times. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Library Binding: 96 pages
• Publisher: 21st Century (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761323058
• ISBN-13: 978-0761323051
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent and unusual overview in verse and music., March 29, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs And Stories Of Civil War (Library Binding)

This collection of Civil War stories and songs may hold lyrics and a sheet music to such notables as Dixie's Land, but it also holds plenty of background history, making it more a history presentation than another songbook. From the practice of fitting new words to existing melodies during the war to the historical background covered in the songs themselves, this provides an excellent and unusual overview of how Civil War history is reflected in verse and music.