PDF Civil War Women: Their Quilts; Their Roles; Activities for Re-Enactors by Barbara Brackman in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Magnificent BookBy Marsha A.I don't particularly like the block patterns in this book but if you enjoy the civil war reproductions; you will. I adored and deeply appreciated the history of quilting; women; Kansas; politics and the suggestions for civil war enactments.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A very good book: not just for Civil War re-enactors or quilters!By gilly8I bought this book in '06 for a friend who was involved in Civil War re-enacting. I read it myself first :--) An excellent and interesting book that goes a long way past just the needs of the re-enactor or those of the quilter although I imagine it would be useful to them as well.It is true that the quilts shown in the photos in the book are not the antique originals (a negative in my opinion) but are modern quilts based on those older designs; as far as I recall.Lots of good photographs: not just of quilts; but also of the times being discussed; the Civil War; and particularly the role of women in it. The modern quilts are photographed in color; the older Civil War photographs are of course in black and white. Barbara Brackman; whose first book was"Quilts from the Civil War: Nine Projects; Historic Notes; Diary Entries" and also"Facts and Fabrications: Unraveling the History of Quilts and Slavery: 8 Projects; 20 Blocks; First-Person Accounts"; "Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Identifying and Dating Antique Quilts" and several others discusses the many roles of women of all classes in that war; for example; those involved in the Underground Railroad; the Nurses; the women who fought (disguised as men); those involved politically; and much more.Brackman writes in a clear style; easily read but thoroughly in touch with her subject. It is not a dry; dull book by any means; I found it a fast; fascinating read.I feel I know a lot about the Civil War from past reading; but this gave me a new perspective; especially on the often overlooked women. I would not call this a feminist book if that means; to you; an anti-male book; rather it points out what women did; other than sit home and worry!A very good book; one that; as another reviewer said; would also be excellent in the schools from junior high up. Highly recommended.39 of 39 people found the following review helpful. A Must For the Lady ReenactorBy Mary Z. CoxI want to meet Barbara Brackman; the author of this beautifully put together quilting/history volume. So many books for reenactors are one dimensional; but Civil War Women is multimedia like in its approach. Each chapter tells the story of a real Civil War era woman to give you a feel for historical setting. Then she presents a historically inspired quilt that she feels would be the type of quilt that woman could have quilted. There are directions for these quilts which are mostly appliqued. Then she offers a suggested activity for a lady reenactor. The color plates in this volume are clear and breathtaking and there are many black and white historical photos that I found instructional. I learned many new things; such as an explanation for the bloomer reform dress; that caused me to consider impersonations that I had not thought about before. I have heard some local ladies criticize the author's selection of quilts as being too Union--but I personally found their designs refreshing and a nice alternative to Baltimore album quilts. The quilts that are my favorites are: Tobacco Worm; Seven Sisters and Democrat Rose. I enjoyed reading about Lucy Stone and her "poodle" husband. I am currently musing over the reenactor activity suggestions. The womens' rights orator and the letter writer both seem creative and do-able impressions that could be accomplished by a single reenactor. I really believe that this volume would be a great candidate for a companion CD that could have some video how to's and print outs of quilt patterns.