Encyclopedia of Civil War Usage Review

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(More customer reviews)If my above mentioned words didn't offer what this book is about I don't know what will. Cheryl and Webb Garrison have assembled a great book featuring Civil War slang, lingo and material names. Words such as chinch (bed bug), hardware (weapon), leg case (desertion) pop-skull (whiskey) and yaller dog (coward). These are just a small few of the many words in this great book on Civil War era language. This book would be great for reenactors or anyone studying the war and learning more about how people communicated or gobble talked!

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NOW IN PAPERBACK! There are few systematic guides to the language used by the generation that fought the American Civil War. In the 150 years since the great conflict, our language has changed, and as meanings have become obscure or lost, links with this vibrant past have dissolved and much of that which had meaning to our forefathers no longer has the same meaning to us. What did it mean "to cross the bar”? What did it mean "to see the elephant” or "to go South”? Why did the armies have so-called ninety-day men and hundred-day men? What were soldiers supposed to do when their commander shouted, "Let her go, Gallagher”? How did one "pay tribute to Neptune”? What was a "picket pin”? Could one make a passable meal of "possum beer” and "secession bread”? How did one "vibrate the lines,” and why would anyone want to attempt such a maneuver? To address this need, Webb Garrison has pored over his notes from more than thirty years of research and study to produce this dictionary and encyclopedia of words and phrases (including nicknames and slang) commonly used during the war. Where appropriate, examples and anecdotes are included to illustrate meanings. Often overlooked naval terms and esoteric formal and informal military expressions are addressed as well as short descriptions of oceangoing vessels and river craft. More than 2,500 entries and 250 illustrations cover the terms, equipment, and organization of the three million soldiers who fought in the war. HISTORY; CIVIL WAR ILLUSTRATED; PHOTOGRAPHS 7” X 9”, 288 PAGES--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Under the Blue Pennant or Notes of a Naval Officer: John W. Grattan Acting Ensign, United States Navy Officer Review

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(More customer reviews)It is frustrating finding good books on the Navy during the Civil War, most everything published looks at operations on land. So it was fun surprise to find this book the other day. Grattan had a great "view" of the navy -- both its men (of high rank and low) and its operations. One gets an insight into life on ships for officers and enlisted, which is almost unheard of in Civil War publishing. Grattan is also candid in his opinions and one appreciates the frank assessments he makes.
I was surprised at the length of the editor's introduction (50 pages) -- but it too was a pleasant surprise. Schneller's commentary is informed and well worth reading. I am glad to see that there is a publisher that still lets editors write long intros when warranted.
The book has good maps and loads of illustrations, most all of which I have never seen before. The editor works at the U.S. Naval Historical Center, it appears he must know where all the good photos, paintings and woodcuts are kept.
Bottom line -- Grattan and Schneller have teamed up after more than 130 years to produce a most fascinating book. If you are looking for something new and interesting on the Civil War, you will love their collaboration!

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The Pearl: A Failed Slave Escape on the Potomac Review

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(More customer reviews)Amazing story about America's early years! Hard to believe this is the same country. Book was a great deal.

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To Shining Sea: A History of the United States Navy, 1775-1991 Review

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(More customer reviews)I orginally read the first edition of this book when it came out in 1992. It was at the time a evelation for me, and the source of my now great love for Naval History. I owe Stephen Howarth a debt of thanks.
I recently picked up a copy of this edition. It has been extended from 1991 (where the previous edition ended) and now includes "The Gulf War" and a few other events up to 1998. There may have been a few other changes that I am not aware of.
I've read quite a few one book histories of the US Navy, ranging from books published in the 1920's (and actually used at Anapolis) to books that have been published in the past few years. Howarth's "To Shining Sea stands among the best of them, simply for its informative and enteratining style.
Howarth treats his subject not only with the eye of a scholar, but also with the eye of a storyteller, while at the same time, making interesting and intelligent observations about his subject. What results is a book that is entertaining and informative at the same time. His own enthusiasm for his subject is infectious as one reads it.
Most interesting about this book is that Howarth examines the US Navy, not from an American's eyes, but those of an Briton. Interspiced throughout the book are accounts of what the sentaments in England were towards the United States and it's tiny Navy. The addition is illuminating and welcome.
If you have a passing interest in the US Navy and it's history, or simply want to get your feet wet in the subject, "To Shining Sea" is well worth the read.

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To the Shores of Tripoli: The Birth of the U.S. Navy and Marines Review

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(More customer reviews)I got the unabridged audio edition. I stayed with it tape after tape at work for 3 consecutive days. I was not disappointed. The events described in this narrative should never have gone forgotten, although it seems they have. Whipple has brought to remembrance some of our early great American heroes. I was surprised that so much primary source material was available on the Tripolitan wars. Whipple has really done his homework and the narrative, though non-fiction, reads like a top novel. I came here seeking the book version in order to purchase it for my library and have found, sadly, that the work is out-of-print. If you're an American History buff, you'll be happy to have this in your library, provided you can find a good copy. I rated this a 5, which it surely deserves. Unfortunately, worthy books never seem to stay in print for as long as trashy fair, and this may be difficult to secure. I hope you find it.

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