Civil War Times Illustrated Magazine

This book offers an illustrated encyclopedia that can be used as a reference work for the Civil War as well as for recreational reading.

Covers 4,300 articles and 1,100 cross-referenced book reviews.

From the front inside cover: Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War is the most complete one-volume reference on the Civil War ever produced. More than 2,000 entries ranging in length from a few lines to several pages and arranged alphabetically-from "abatis" and "abolition" to "Zollicoffer" and "Zouave"-cover every important aspect and individual of that momentous conflict. Military events, campaigns, and battles are thoroughly presented; but so, too are political, economic, and social developments that occurred during the war. Particularly useful is the system of cross-reference that indicated in each essay those names and terms which have their own entries.

Thousands of inkwells have been emptied documenting the Campaign and Battle of Gettysburg. And while nearly all aspects of the campaign have been explored in one form or another, this work attempts to weave the tapestry of the campaign from the viewpoints, activities, and decisions of its participants. From men at the highest levels of command to those on the battle line, all would play a part in the drama which unfolded in Southern Pennsylvania. The persona, character, military bearing, and skill of those who fought the greatest battle ever to occur on the North American continent, would be forged not only during the war, but for some, many years prior to the conflict. This is the opening act of their story.

With the ascendancy of Ulysses S. Grant in late 1863, the command tone of the United States Army underwent a dramatic change. While Grant's predecessor George McClellan had been overly cautious about committing troops and resources to fight the South, Grant held the philosophy that a war fought for total ends required total means. Philip Sheridan set about reorganizing the army to reflect Grant's new style. During the last six months of the war, he relieved three generals of their commands because of their inability to follow his orders precisely. William Averell, Alfred Torbert and Gouverneur Warren found themselves and their careers casualties of Sheridan's intense determination to bring an end to the hostilities. Only Ranald S. Mackenzie managed to survive Sheridan's search for effective leaders, proving himself the ideal subordinate.