Civil War Firsts: The Legacies of America's Bloodiest Conflict (Hardcover)

by Gerald S. Henig (Author), Eric Niderost (Author) "Americans have always been an optimistic people, but as 1859 drew to a close, the new year was looked upon with anxiety and dread..." (more)
Key Phrases: silk dress balloon, subterra shells, musket shells, New York, United States, White House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Civil War was an era of unparalleled innovation. From armored battleships and hot air balloons to photography and medical care, the period between 1861 and 1865 saw a great transition in the way the world fought, recorded, and survived war. It wrought change in the lives of individuals as well, transforming society unlike any other single event in American history. Authors Gerald S. Henig and Eric Niderost trace these changes and explore the legacies of America's bloodiest conflict in this thought provoking study.

From the Publisher
A Military Book Club/History Book Club Alternate Selection

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811703541
• ISBN-13: 978-0811703543
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,536,874 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Account of the War, April 29, 2001

By	M. Chisholm (San Ramon, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a comprehensive account of the extraordinary achievements undertaken during the most critical time period in United States history.

This book is well written and its subject matter is captivating. I couldn't put it down. Each subject stands alone so the reader can skip from one section in the book to another depending on whether they want to read about the use of the first land mines, the first woman executed in US history, or the first attempt by the government to censor military information.

Definately worth a read by the serious Civil War buff or just a lay-person who enjoys reading about interesting things.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading and reference book, February 13, 2003

By	Lamont G. Sible Jr. - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book decieved me. I thought it would be rather dull, therefore it remained in my library, for sometime, until I finally started on it. What a wonderful surprize! I thought I was pretty sharp on the Civil War. Well, I found out things I didnt know, and was delighted to learn. This book is really a great addition. The authors goes through the Civil War, and give so many minor incidents attention, that many of us over look. Did you know the first Aircraft Carriers were made during the Civil War? ( The ballons launched from them!) I'd challenge any true Civil war buff, to read this book, and not say, you learned a few things. And this book is very entertaining as well. I've also found myself going back to this book, for references, many times. HINT: When you read this book, you may want to use a highlighter, so you can go back and find your references. It's a worthwhile addition to anyones Civil War Libary, and I'd have to recommend it as a good book, for someone that has never read a Civil War book, but wants to learn. Very nicely done, well written. Get job guys.