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Battle Hymns: The Power and Popularity of Music in the Civil War (Civil War America) Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 2014
Though published songs of the time have long been catalogued and appreciated, McWhirter is the first to explore what Americans actually said and did with these pieces. By gauging the popularity of the most prominent songs and examining how Americans used them, McWhirter returns music to its central place in American life during the nation's greatest crisis. The result is a portrait of a war fought to music.
- Print length336 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherThe University of North Carolina Press
- Publication dateFebruary 1, 2014
- Dimensions6.12 x 0.74 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-100807835501
- ISBN-13978-1469613673
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Editorial Reviews
Review
An extensive, descriptive account of music during the American Civil War.--Journal of American History
Much more than a treat for lovers of good history writing and a fresh look at well-trodden fields, it is also a painful reminder of just how divided a nation we were at birth, and how those divisions live with us still.--Huffington Post Arts & Culture
A wealth of practical information on who composed what, when, and under what circumstances. [McWhirter's] discovery of minute details concerning the origins of popular Civil War songs constitutes a real contribution to this area of specialization.--Civil War Book Review
A fascinating examination of how popular songs defined and unified ideologies during the Civil War.--Southern Register
No historian has done more than Christian McWhirter to open our ears to Civil War music as a very powerful expression of political action.--McCormick Messenger
A welcome addition to the historiography of the Civil War and the music of the period.--The Annals of Iowa
Battles Hymns convincingly combines historical and musicological perspectives by illustrating the mutual enrichment of music and extramusical culture.--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society
McWhirter's deft and entertaining use of anecdotal material to support his arguments will appeal to a wide audience.--Tennessee Libraries
This excellent book will stand as the definitive study on the subject for many years to come.--Society of Civil War Historians Newsletter
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Product details
- ASIN : 1469613670
- Publisher : The University of North Carolina Press; Illustrated edition (February 1, 2014)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0807835501
- ISBN-13 : 978-1469613673
- Item Weight : 1.13 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.12 x 0.74 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,934,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,566 in U.S. Civil War Confederacy History
- #5,022 in Music History & Criticism (Books)
- #36,940 in U.S. State & Local History
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Christian McWhirter was born and raised near Toronto, Canada. Always interested in American history, he moved to the United States where he earned his doctorate. He is Research Historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
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Drums beat the long roll and dozens of other calls. The bands are everywhere.
They would play entering towns, crossing important political boundaries, to thank an officer, to entertain the men and to boost morale.
Bands fought musical duels whenever armies where close, first one side and than the other playing.
On the home front, music supports the war, commemorates sacrifices, supports politicians and political movements while proclaimed your loyalty.
Outside of Dixie and The Battle Hymn of the Republic, how many songs can you name? Many will have problems naming ten more.
This book is a great teacher, telling the story intelligently and with affection.
This is a general history of the war’s music.
A good deal of what the music publishing business is like.
A look at how music is performed professionally and at home.
The CSA's search for "their" songs
How Dixie won and how they tried to change the words
From John Brown's Body to the Battle Hymn of the Republic
Bonnie Blue Flag
Maryland, my Maryland
All of the above and much more are in this enjoyable, fun to read book.
University of North Carolina Press has published a unique necessary history for our libraries.
After reading this book, I truly appreciate the role of music in the war.
Every time I read about singing or bands playing, reading this book will place the music firmly in the context of the war.
This review is from the hardbound book.
As with any lyrical change, some reworded for the better and some for the fun. Great stories to pass to the younger generations.
Lincoln loved most of the songs on both sides and requested them frequently.


