One of the most popular literary subjects worldwide is the American Civil War. In addition to an enormous number of history buffs; there are tens of thousands of collectors of Civil War artifacts. In the last fifty years; several books have been written concerning the equipment associated with soldiers of specific Confederate states; but no book until now has ever chronicled the military equipment used by Texas soldiers. Texas Civil War Artifacts is the first comprehensive guide to the physical culture of Texas Civil War soldiers.Texas military equipment differs in a number of ways from the equipment produced for the eastern Confederate states. Most of the Texas-produced equipment was blacksmithed; or local-artisan made; and in many cases featured the Lone Star as a symbol of Texas. Contemporary Civil War literature frequently mentions that most soldiers of Texas displayed the Lone Star somewhere on their uniform or equipment.In this groundbreaking volume; Richard Mather Ahlstrom has photographed and described more than five hundred Texas-related artifacts. He shows the diverse use of the Lone Star on hat pins; waist-belt plates; buckles; horse equipment; side knives; buttons; and canteens. In addition; the weapons that Texans used in the Civil War are featured in chapters on the Tucker Sherrard and Colt pistols; shotguns; rifles; and muskets; and swords. Rounding out the volume are chapters on leather accouterments; uniforms and headgear; and a gallery of Texas soldiers in photographs.This book will prove to be a valuable reference guide for Civil War collectors; historians; museum curators; re-enactors; and federal and state agencies.
#2446221 in Books Univ Tennessee Press 2013-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .80 x 6.00l; .95 #File Name: 1572339411208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Robertpricey but can never get enough Shiloh; especially from 1 of the premier Shiloh historians0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy MisterTGreat service and value.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Insightful set of reviews on the Civil War battle at ShilohBy Steven PetersonShiloh was an eye opening battle for both sides in the Civil War. Sanguinary and a close call as to who might triumph. We see here a central aspect of U. S. Grant--stubborn and unwilling to give up. And; with great timing; he was reinforced by General Buell at just the right moment.This book is a series of essays; some of which were published elsewhere. It makes a nice compliment to other books on Shiloh; such as those major works by Cunningham and Daniel and McDonough and Sword. Indeed; I consulted some of these works as I read Smith's volume. And that surely indicates that this is a book that provokes thought about this battle. In the following paragraphs; I will speak in a bit of detail about a sampling of the chapters; to give a sense of the coverage.The book opens with a chapter on terrain. Books on Shiloh have mentioned--normally in passing--the role of the terrain. For instance; Patrick Cleburne's brigade faced real challenges and hindered his offensive movements. But this chapter explores the issue in much greater detail and makes a strong case that geography was a major factor in the unfolding of the battle. Another example: Grant's final defensive line was much stronger because of the terrain; making a successful Confederate piercing of that line problematic.The second chapter is a leisurely discussion of Confederate commanding general Albert Sidney Johnston's last hours before his death in battle. Many (including me) have contended that he was not able to be in command because of his closeness to combat and subsequent inability to "get" the big picture. But this chapter also notes that his presence had value for the troops on his army. An interesting take on his final hours.The Hornet's Nest. . . . Some have argues that the defense here was critical for the Union Army's ultimate success. This chapter contends that that is erroneous (echoing Cunningham;'s argument). Indeed; a logical consideration of the heroic stand seems to indicate that this was a magnificent stand--but that it was NOT critical for the final outcome.What of the late arrival of General Lew Wallace into the struggle? Grant never accepted this and felt that Wallace had undercut the Union forces' struggle that day. Smith does a nice analysis of the route that Wallace probably took; in more detail than other depictions that I have read. Still; it does not answer the question as to whether or not he exhibited the "slows."Other chapters explore Benjamin Prentiss' role as "hero"; the inhabitants of Shiloh; the fate of Mississippi's delegates at the convention approving secession who fought; the New Deal's role in Shiloh National Military Park; and the making and effect of the movie "Shiloh: Portrait of a Battle."All in all; a worthwhile work.
