The bloody conflict that sundered the United States from 1861 to 1865 took 620;000 lives; laid waste to large sections of the American South; and decided the future course of the nation. Its reverberations are still felt in American life. Now from the home of "The Nation's Memory" comes "The Library of Congress Civil War Desk Reference." Drawn from the Library's unparalleled Civil War collections -- including previously unpublished letters and diaries; maps and photographs; as well as thousands of works by post-Civil War scholars and experts -- this is the ultimate one-volume reference on the Civil War. A comprehensive yet accessible compendium; "The Library of Congress Civil War Desk Reference" is organized into chapters that address broad themes such as "Antebellum America;" "Wartime Politics;" "Armies;" and "Reconstruction and Aftermath of the War." Each of these chapters includes more specific topics; such as "The Election of 1860;" "Notable Civil War Officers;" and "African Americans During Reconstruction." There are timelines that chronicle major events; brief profiles of significant people; and excerpts from key pieces of legislation and addresses that reflect the passions and politics of the times. Here readers can find; for example; detailed information on the arms used on both sides during the Civil War in the "Weaponry" chapter. And descriptions of significant battles; as well as information on casualties; military strategy and tactics; and logistical support; are to be found in the "Battles and the Battlefield" chapter. Topics ranging from economic conditions north and south of the Mason-Dixon line on the eve of the war to the history of slavery in the United Statesto the impact of the Civil War on literature and the fine arts give additional depth and context to the book's presentation of Civil War events. "The Library of Congress Civil War Desk Reference" also looks beyond the major events and figures and examines the lives of the common soldiers (from their diet; training; and medical treatment to the struggles of the Union's black soldiers); the various roles women played in the war; and telling events on the home fronts. Along with the words of writers such as Walt Whitman and Herman Melville; readers will find excerpts from the journals and letters of nurses; soldiers; refugees and freedmen. A final chapter offers a guide to further study of the Civil War -- including information about major archival collections; important published resources; and national historic sites-for those who wish to learn more. Prodigious in its scope; illustrated with more than 100 photographs and drawings and dozens of maps; "The Library of Congress Civil War Desk Reference" is sure to become the indispensable one-volume reference on the Civil War.
#17337 in Books Robert B Strassler 1998-09-10 1998-09-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.60 x 7.37l; 2.70 #File Name: 0684827905752 pagesThe Landmark Thucydides A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This books brings the Tucydides' "The Peloponnesian War" to life making it easy to understand all aspects of the warBy S Zafar IqbalAnyone interested in learning about the Peloponnesian War will find this book of immense value. This books brings the Tucydides' "The Peloponnesian War" to life making it easy to understand all aspects of the war; its causes; its origin; all major events and all those who played leading roles in the execution of the War. I greatly benefited from this book; without I couldn't have grasped the enormity of that ancient armed conflict.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The edition of Thucydides for both scholars and general readersBy Aaa"The Landmark Thucydides" is the first book in Robert Strassler's excellent series of annotated translations of ancient history. As of the writing of this review; the series also has Herodotus; Arrian; and Xenophon's "Hellenika". What makes these editions so different are the various additions that make the text easier to understand. There are maps every few pages; summaries of each section; timelines of the years of the history; and notes to explain difficult to interpret passages."The Peloponnesian War" needs these extras more than most. Thucydides jumps around in his narrative and uses place names that are unfamiliar to even learned classicists. The book ends with some short essays on relevant topics; such as Spartan institutions and trireme warfare. Thucydides is an altogether difficult author; but this edition makes him easily accessible without dumbing him down. Several prominent Greek historians have contributed to this series; which shows it is not only for students; but also for more serious readers. I recommend this edition of Thucydides above all others.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book is mostly great; but the translation is very rough in placesBy AnonymousThis books is mostly great; but the translation is very rough in places. I highly recommend getting the hard cover edition of this book and the cheap soft cover of the Penguins Classic translation of Thucydides. I have been reading from The Landmark Thucydides except for the speeches and when I get stuck on an unclear or confusing passage. The Penguins Classic translation is miles better than this one unfortunately in terms of the actual text; but the Penguin Classic is unreadable on its own without the notes and maps from this book. The two books combine for a great reading experience. If you aren't already familiar with this conflict; I think watching the Teaching Companies' course The Peloponnesian War by Kenneth Harl first will really get you interested in this book. That's actually why I bought this book; I enjoyed the hours of lectures and wanted to know more about the battles; skirmishes; tactics; etc. My next book purchase will definitely be another landmark book.
