audiobook Don Troiani's Civil War by Brian C. Pohanka in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The best of the best for Civil War artBy Jonathan WellerDon Troiani's Civil War paintings collection is a perfect example of why he is considered by many to be the premier Civil War artist today. The book showcases almost all of Troiani’s collection of Civil War paintings from the last several decades and; it helps enhance one’s imagination in regards to uniforms and layouts of some of the wars most iconic moments.Almost all of Don Troiani’s paintings are wonderfully depicted in this book; the colors are vibrant and engaging; the pages glossy and eye-catching; and the text by Brian Pohanka is absolutely first-rate. The different landscapes and scenes that Troiani has brought to life is often what I think of when imaging a Civil War battle or soldier; and for my money; Troiani is the best of the best when it comes to Civil War recreation scenes. Others like Mort Kunstler and Dale Gallon have done some fine work themselves on the Civil War; but Troiani is the first name that I think of when it comes to Civil War art. This book more than does Troiani’s work justice; but just know that not all of the artists’ work is represented here in one volume. I am not sure if the plan was to bring along another book; but I know that not all Troiani’s work is presented in this collection. This is simply a minor complaint on my part; but I just wanted to make the purchaser aware.There is definitely no way that any fan of Civil War art could be disappointed with this collection and its packaging. The book was so well done that it made me go and purchase three of Dons’ paintings after looking at them for so long; I have Barksdale’s Assault; Southern Cross and High Water Mark; and they all look tremendous on my wall! An absolutely great addition to any art lovers collection.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. a beautifully illustrated gift for history fansBy Desert GypsyI purchased this book as a gift for my son who is a huge history buff; he especially loves the illustrations. Even a non-history buff like me can appreciate how intricate and beautifully executed these illustrations are.Below is my son's review of the book:Don Troiani is an artist who specializes in Civil war painting; each of them carefully and extensively researched for paramount historical accuracy. His compendium; Don Troiani's Civil War is the first book to compile all his historical work in one volume. Troiani's best work in my opinion is in the battle scenes; his attention to detail and devotion to historical accuracy really capture the valor and confusion of combat; with every face holding in it emotion and a story; just like the actual soldiers of the war. However this does not at all take away from his bucolic depictions of camp life or the regimental samples.The accompanying text by Brian Pohanka displays all of the great history behind the art; ranging form description of battles; to life as a soldier; and descriptions of individual regiments and forces; he masterfully builds the historical backdrop for the stunning artwork that Troiani presents. One such description; is that of the famous episode from Second Manassas where when Confederate soldiers had all but exhausted their ammunition during a Union assault; the beleaguered Confederates in an action of last resort; began hurling small stones and rocks at the Union troops. The book is filled with awesome scenes like these laid out in stunning spreads; followed by eloquent and characterful descriptions of the people and events depicted.Troiani and Pohanka really capture the essence of the conflict; bringing the battles and historical figures to life through art and prose respectively. However; because of the focus of the narrative being based off of small parts of specific actions; the true narrative history of the war is a little lost. The book seems to function more as a book of trivia; as opposed to a history lesson; so despite the correct chronology of the text and paintings from 1861 to 1865; the recounting of the overall war has some serious holes. However this book is a great experience; seeing the history you have learned in a beautiful work of art; peering into the past through both recounting and artistic interpretation.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Indeed a Treasure!By Teacher TomDon Troianti's "Civil War" is a treasure chest of his art work during our country's "War of Succession;The American Civil War". It helps contribute to any History book on various years during our Country's Civil War; its Battles; Main characters of Union and Confederate leaders and ordinary soldiers. Personaly; it helped me create a better understanding of what I happen to be reading at that moment of either a battle; skirmishes; diary or letters home to love ones of citizen soldiers.The size; 8 1/4 X 11 1/4 and the overal graphic and realistic depictions by the artist; Don Triovanti is excellent and worthy of being in any Civil War Historian or History Buff's library without a doubt!The artist painstakingly; took the time to research to gain true authenticity of uniforms; Regimental Battle Flags; various forms of lethal and deadly weapons and present them in a realistic landscape background of the period. The artist has captured the individual facial expressions of soldiers in combat; the Victor and those defeated in Battle along with wounded and dead of both sides of the conflict.I recommend to have this book highly to all serious students of Our American Civil! War