Civil War Bookstore, Main Page

Books... most reenactors have huge libraries and this period, ack! It has even more books written about it than most and as we go on, we will be improving and adding to this section. For too many years, we've not been able to cover this section adequately ;-( No more, ACW needs to shine!

Scholarly works are fine, but not always the best for the reenactor -- as time goes on, we will be breaking this up into separate pages for things like Historical Accounts, Battles & Campaigns, Uniform & Equipment, Personal Accounts, Fiction and other categories.

And yeah, it is a bit "Osprey-heavy..." Why? Because they serve a good purpose; not only to give one a good grounding in a subject, but also they have COLOR plates, which make things come alive. So, please look at what we have and we await your input!

On Reenacting the Civil War

Here are some great books actually about reenacting the Civil War, and no, they're not all there is, it's just all we had time for now...

If you don't see a book listed here that you feel we need to have for sale, then PLEASE recommend it to us so that we can add it here!

Attention: You might see this ugly graphic, instead of the book cover which we have so carefully chosen for you to see. Alas, it means the book is not in print or Amazon is out of it NEW or something. It doesn't mean you cannot get it used, and often for CHEAPER... We will be going through and adding direct links to the book title itself, thus allowing you to get to the book's actual page and possibly even find it used. (I like used books!)

The Civil War Reenactors' Encyclopedia by William C. Davis -- Truly awesome in scope and depth, The Civil War Reenactors' Encyclopedia contains an unparalleled wealth of information, covering not only all major battles of the war, but also the uniforms of all major unites - both Union and Confederate - down to the smallest details such as badges and buttons; national, state, and unit flags; and accessories including packs, ammunition boxes, and belt buckles.

Cleverly organized around the major battles of this terrible conflict, The Civil War Reenactors' Encyclopedia begins with an introductory section, which outlines in broad fashion the general-issue uniforms worn by both Confederate and Union troops. The remainder of the book covers each major battle of the war in exhaustive and illuminating detail to make modern reenactments truly come to life, as authentic and historically accurate as possible.

Numerous beautiful and detailed maps show where each army's individual brigades moved during the course of each battle, enabling reenactors to trace the steps of their units exactly. The illustrations accompanying the maps show what a typical member of every important unit that fought in the battle might have worn.

Exhaustively and painstakingly researched, expertly written, and beautifully illustrated in glorious full color with photos, maps and drawings, The Civil War Reenactors' Encyclopedia provides a complete package of information for both the experienced Civil War reenactor and the newcomer to this fascinating hobby.

Reliving the Civil War: A Reenactor's Handbook by Robert Lee Hadden -- A well-written, informative, and reader-friendly book that is a must-have for reenactors! This book has updated information on sutlers and organizations and a new index with subject headings for easy reference.

As Civil War reenacting continues to grow, beginners and enthusiasts need an up-to-date source and guidebook that will keep pace with advances and changes in the hobby. This second edition of the highly successful Reliving the Civil War improves on the firstwith new information on civilian reenacting (especially concerning women and children), a revised bibliography, and updated addresses of sutlers, organizations, and magazines. Also included are expanded discussions regarding virtual regiments, hard-core authenticity, and women in the ranks.

An Introduction to Civil War Civilians by Juanita Leisch -- This book is a great start in understanding what civilian's life was like during the war. It is also a good place to start if you're going to do reenactment. It's an excellent overview of civilian customs, fashions, etiquette, and the mindset of the times along with being a great resource for the new civil war enthusiast or civilian reenactor. It has fun intresting facts and great photos. This is a great overview of a neglected area of study and if you are thinking of getting into CW civilian reenacting, this is the FIRST book you should buy, as it will familiarize you with the overall cultural and social framework of the era, thereby helping you get your individual interpretation / impression right.

Armies and their Insignia

Armies and Insignia, we have a few things here and more will follow...

If you don't see a book listed here that you feel we need to have for sale, then PLEASE recommend it to us so that we can add it here!

	Flags of the Civil War (Special Editions (Military)) by: Philip Katcher -- {This book combines Men-at-Arms 252: "Flags of the American Civil War 1: Confederate," Men-at-Arms 258: "Flags of the American Civil War 2: Union" and Men-at-Arms 265: "Flags of the American Civil War 3: Specialist Troops."} The flags of the Civil War were no mere unit designations -- they represented the very hearts of their regiments. The formal ceremony in which a regiment received its colours constituted an initiation into the world of the soldier, and the flag became the symbol which drew the regiment's members together. In camp, regimental colours flew over unit headquarters as a guidepost to members and outsiders alike; in action, it flew in the centre of the line, drawing enemy fire upon its carriers. Few things were more disgraceful than losing one's colours in battle, and extreme sacrifices were often made to save them.
	Flags of the American Civil War (2) Union (Men-at-Arms 258) by: Philip Katcher -- The regimental or battery set of colours was more than simply a unit designation, issued for the ease of a commander in identifying his units in the field. It was the very symbol of the regiment; it was its heart, the thing that drew its members together. As such it was fiercely defended in action, where it flew in the centre of the line. Complemented by numerous illustrations, including eight full page colour plates by Rick Scollins, this book by Philip Katcher provides a fascinating examination of the Union flags of the American Civil War. Men-at-Arms 252, 258 and 265 are also available in a single volume special edition as "Flags of the Civil War."
	Flags of the American Civil War (3) State & Volunteer (Men-at-Arms 265) by: Philip Katcher -- Most Civil War soldiers, although they served in a national Union or Confederate Army, fought under a state designation and often felt that they were representing their state as much as their country. So it was only natural that many carried state flags, or national flags with state seals and mottos, as their regimental colours. Complemented by many photographs and illustrations, including eight full page colour plates by Rick Scollins and Gerry Embleton, Philip Katcher's engaging and informative text explores the flags of the State and Volunteer troops of the American Civil War. Men-at-Arms 252, 258 and 265 are also available in a single volume special edition as "Flags of the Civil War."

Civil War Leaders

Here, you'll find some good books we've chosen on some of the leaders of the war. And yes, more will follow, especially if you recommend YOUR favorites!

If you don't see a book listed here that you feel we need to have for sale, then PLEASE recommend it to us so that we can add it here!

	American Civil War Commanders (1) Union Leaders in the East (Elite 73) by: Philip Katcher -- When the War Between the States broke out in 1861, the US Army had only four line generals - and only one of them was not a septuagenarian veteran of the War of 1812. With about one-third of all professional officers choosing to offer their swords to the South, the government's urgent need to find commanders for the vastly expanded Federal army put generals' stars on the shoulders of men of very varied backgrounds and talents. In time the shock of war would separate the born leaders from the over-promoted and the political opportunists. This first of four volumes examines the careers and often colorful personalities of nearly 30 Union generals whose service was mainly in the Eastern theater of war.
	American Civil War Commanders (2) Confederate Leaders in the East (Elite 88) by: Philip Katcher -- The generals who led the brigades, divisions, corps and armies of the Confederacy were very largely products of the same professional backgrounds as their opponents in Union blue - indeed, many of them were former West Point classmates and brother officers in the pre-war US Army, who had served together on the frontier or in the Mexican War. In terms of field experience they were also similar to the vast majority of Union commanders - none of them had ever commanded so much as a brigade before 1861, and they had to learn by trial and error. Some whose pre-war record had promised much were to fail the test of war; some more obscure officers were to rise to the challenge remarkably. This first of two volumes devoted to the Confederate generals details the careers, personalities and appearance of 25 commanders who made their names mainly with the Army of Northern Virginia in the Eastern theater of war.
	American Civil War Commanders (3) Union Leaders in the West (Elite 89) by: Philip Katcher -- When the War Between the States broke out in 1861, the US Army had only four line generals ? and three of those were over 70 years of age and veterans of the Napoleonic period. About one in three of America's professional officers chose to serve the Confederacy, and the government's urgent need to find commanders for its vastly expanded army put stars on the shoulders of men of very varied backgrounds and talents. The trials of war would soon separate the born leaders from the over-promoted and the political opportunists. This second volume devoted to Union generals examines the careers and personalities of 25 commanders whose service was mainly, or at first, in the Western theater of war.
	American Civil War Commanders (4) Confederate Leaders in the West (Elite 94) by: Philip Katcher -- In the Western theater of war the Confederacy had the misfortune to face, with inferior resources, some of the outstanding Union leaders early in their careers. The Southern commanders who faced Grant, Sherman and Sheridan in these campaigns were of varied backgrounds and talents: some had been sent West in disfavour, others were foolishly quarrelsome, and after A.S.Johnston's death at Shiloh there was no single figure with the authority to dominate them. Some were nevertheless of the highest class: men like Joseph E.Johnston, the cavalry leader Nathan Bedford Forrest, and the little known Patrick Cleburne and Alexander Stewart earned ungrudging respect. This book details the careers, personalities and appearance of 24 generals of the Army of Tennessee and the other Confederate commands in the West.
	Battles and Leaders, vol. 1 -- The Civil War remains the costliest conflict in terms of American lives lost and men wounded in which our country has ever been involved. BATTLES AND LEADERS OF THE CIVIL WAR is recognized as the outstanding history of the War between the States to come out of the nineteenth century. This series was originally conceived in 1883 by the editors of the Century Company, who set out to provide an accurate, unbiased account of the war. BATTLES AND LEADERS OF THE CIVIL WAR was authored by the commanders and their subordinates from both the Confederate and Union forces who actually fought, planned, or were eyewitness to the events they describe herein. Here you can read about the events of the war written by such prominent generals as Beauregard, Grant, Longstreet, Sherman, McClellan, Butler, and many others. These books are profusely illustrated with maps, charts and engravings by the most prominent artists of the era. OPENING BATTLES (VOL. I) begins with a view of Washington on the eve of the war, relates an account of the fall of Fort Sumter, the preparations for war in the North and South, and the formation of the Confedercy. Detailed are the early operations in Virginia, the campaign of the first Bull Run, and the first year of war in Missouri. Naval conflicts on the island waterways are covered as well as the battles of Lexington, Belmont, Big Sandy, and others. Generals U.S. Grant, G.T. Beauregard, T. Jordan and D.C. Buell describe the events of the Battle of Shiloh. Chronicled too are the buildups of the navies for war, coastal operations in the Carolinas, and the Historic Battles at Hampton Roads between the ironclads "Monitor" and "Merrimac", which changed the course of naval history.
	Battles and Leaders, vol. 2 -- THE STRUGGLE INTENSIFIES (Vol. 2), opens with the siege and capture of Fort Pulaski, the capture of New Orleans, and a summary of operations in the far southwest. It covers the Peninsular Campaign, the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Manassas and Seven Pines. Brigadier-General John D. Imboden, C.S.A., relates Stonewall Jackson's exploits in the Shenandoah. Chronicled here are Lee's campaign against Pope, the second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and finally, the battles at Iuka and Corinth.
	Battles and Leaders, vol. 3 -- THE TIDE SHIFTS (Vol. 3) begins with the Perryville Campaign, including the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. The Battle of Gettysburg is chronicled in detail by such famous officers as General James Longstreet, Col. John S. Mosby, General Henry J. Hunt, General E.P. Alexander and by others who fought and directed this pivotal battle. The Vicksburg Campaign, the battles of Port Hudson, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and others, are likewise described.
	Battles and Leaders, vol. 4 -- RETREAT WITH HONOR (Vol. 4) relates the events that led to the end of the war. It opens with a detailed description of the land and sea operations of the Battle of Charleston. Grant's Wilderness Campaign and Sherman's march to Atlanta are vividly portrayed. After mounting the final actions in Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee, this volume depicts the closing naval operations, Sherman's march through the Confederacy and climaxes with Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
	Battles and Leaders of the Civil War (single volume) -- First-hand testimonials from officers, soldiers, and civilians involved in America's bloodiest conflict, accompanied by black and white line drawings, etchings, and maps. Covers battles from Bull Run and Gettysburg to the surrender at Appomattox, with words from Lee, Grant, Sherman as well as lesser known participants such as medics and nurses.

Battles & Tactics

Battles and Tactics, what war is about. Many students of the Civil War are keen to learn more on this subject and it can never hurt to learn a bit about the Battles and Tactics of the wars we reenact.

If you don't see a book listed here that you feel we need to have for sale, then PLEASE recommend it to us so that we can add it here!

	The American Civil War (1) : The War in the East 1861-May 1863 (Essential Histories 4) by Gary Gallagher -- The United States saw long-simmering sectional tensions erupt into fighting at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, in April 1861, beginning what would become the most cataclysmic military struggle in the western world between Waterloo and the First World War. This volume focuses on events in the Virginia theater during the conflict's first two years, highlighting Union and Confederate strengths and weaknesses, leadership and strategy on each side, and the ways in which events on the battlefield influenced politics, diplomacy, and debates about emancipation. Osprey Essential Histories are complete yet concise studies of each major conflict in history.
	The American Civil War (2) : The War in the West 1861-July 1863 (Essential Histories 10) by Stephen Engle -- The American Civil War's vast Western Theater witnessed enormously important military campaigning during the period 1861 - 1863. This book, the third in a four-volume series, examines the geographical, logistical and strategic factors that shaped fighting in this theater, as well as assessing officers who played key roles . It covers the story of Ulysses S Grant's important capture of rebel positions before marching south to win the battle of Shiloh, as well as that of Albert Sidney Johnston, the pride of the Confederacy. Finally, it details the dramatic events of the siege of Vicksburg, the Confederates final fortress.
	The American Civil War (3) : The War in the East 1863-1865 (Essential Histories 5) by Robert Krick -- Great battles and famous commanders dominated the military history of the Civil War in the Eastern Theater during the period 1863-1865. This book includes revealing details of the clash at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the costliest battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere, but, contrary to common belief, puts forward the theory that it was not a great turning point in the war. This book also examines the events that led to Robert E Lee accepting generous terms of surrender from Ulysses S Grant, bringing the war in Virginia to a close. A fascinating look at this crucial point in the American Civil War.
	The American Civil War (4) : The War in the West 1863-1865 (Essential Histories 11) by Joseph T. Glatthaar -- Union military forces suffered momentary defeat followed by sustained success in the Western Theater during the second half of the American Civil War. Following the Union's defeat at Chickamauga, Ulysses S. Grant took command at Chattanooga and orchestrated a striking victory which paved the way for a Union advance against Atlanta, a confederate city second in importance only to Richmond. This book traces the events that surrounded the capture of Atlanta, followed by Sherman's famous campaign of destruction through the southern interior which culminated in April 1865 with the surrender of the last major Confederate field army at Durham Station, North Carolina.
	First Bull Run 1861 : The South's First Victory (Campaign 10) by Alan Hankinson -- At Bull Run, two inexperienced, ill-trained and poorly led armies clashed in the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Culminating in a stalwart defensive fight by Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson's Virginia Brigade, this is the story of the Confederacy's first victory. The author investigates the personalities of the principal commanders and examines the opposing armies, showing how the widely varying uniforms of different units caused mistakes of identity which affected the battle at crucial points. Weapons, intelligence and the almost universal inexperience of troops on both sides are all discussed, helping to explain the events of the battle itself.
	Chickamauga 1863 : The River of Death (Campaign 17) by James Arnold -- By the Autumn of 1863 the Confederacy was in dire straits. In a colossal gamble, Confederate President Jefferson Davis stripped forces from all the major Confederate armies to reinforce the Army of Tennessee in a last ditch attempt to crush the Union. On 19th September the Confederates attacked the Union army along Chickamauga creek south of Chattanooga. On the second day of bloody fighting the entire Union right collapsed and the army retreated headlong for Chattanooga, all except General George H. Thomas' Corps who fought on doggedly until nightfall delaying the confederate advance, saving the Union and earning his fame as the "Rock of Chickamauga".
	Vicksburg 1863 : Grant Clears the Mississippi (Campaign 26) by Alan Hankinson -- The 1863 Vicksburg campaign was to prove decisive to the outcome of the American Civil War. Known as the 'Gibraltar of the West', Vicksburg was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. In a masterly campaign Grant used riverboats and steamers to land his army south of the city. He then defeated the armies of Generals 'Joe' Johnston and John C. Pemberton. Pemberton allowed his force to become bottled up in Vicksburg and after an epic 47-day siege he was forced to surrender the remnants of his force to Grant on 4 July 1863, one day after Lee's defeat at Gettysburg.
	Antietam 1862 : The Civil War's Bloodiest Day (Campaign 32) by Norman Stevens -- Antietam was one of the critical battles of the American Civil War. The fortunes of the South were riding high after the resounding victory at Second Manassas. While Bragg and Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, Lee's invasion of Maryland was intended to maintain the Southern offensive momentum and to win the recognition of the European powers. But his bold plan was compromised - and at the Antietam River the Army of Northern Virginia was fighting for its very life. This title examines the build-up to Hooker's attack, and details the famous clashes at Bloody Lane and Burnside Bridge.
	Gettysburg 1863 : High Tide of the Confederacy (Campaign 52) by Carl Smith -- The Confederate invasion of the Northern states was General Lee's last great gamble. By taking the war to the Union he hoped to force Lincoln into peace negotiations, or win support from the European powers who were watching events closely from across the Atlantic. Equally, Meade's Army of the Potomac needed to regain it's fighting credibility after the setbacks of Fredericksburg and saw this as an opportunity to redeem its honour. The clash of 150,000 soldiers from both sides would ultimately decide the fate of a nation.
	Shiloh 1862 : The Death of Innocence (Campaign 54) by James Arnold -- The first major battle in the Western theatre of the American Civil War, Shiloh came as a horrifying shock to both the American public and those in arms. For the first time they had some idea of the terrible price that would be paid for the preservation of the Union. On 6 April 1862 General Albert Sidney Johnston caught Grant and Sherman by surprise and very nearly drove them into the River Tennessee, but was mortally wounded in the process. Somehow Grant and Sherman hung on and the next day managed to drive back the hordes of grey-clad rebels.
	Chancellorsville 1863 : Jackson's Lightning Strike (Campaign 55) by Carl Smith -- Following the debacle of the battle of Fredricksburg in December 1862, Burnside was replaced as commander of the Army of the Potomac by General Joseph Hooker. Having reorganised the army and improved morale, he planned an attack that would take his army to Richmond and end the war. Although faced by an army twice his size, the Confederate commander Robert E. Lee split his forces: Jubal Early was left to hold off Sedgwick's Fredericksburg attack, and 'Stonewall' Jackson was sent with 26,000 men in a wide envelopment around Hooker's right flank. This title details how at dusk on May 2, Jackson's men crashed into the Federal right flank, and how stiffening Federal resistance slowed the Confederate advance the next day.
	Fredericksburg 1862 : 'Clear The Way' (Campaign 63) by Carl Smith -- In December 1862, things were still confused for the Union. Antietam had been a failure for both sides, and although the battle showed that the Union army could bring the Confederates to bay, it couldn't pin them in one place long enough to destroy them. In December 1862, General Burnside, newly appointed to command the Army of the Potomac, planned to seize and secure the town of Fredericksburg, and then take the Confederate capital of Richmond. Carl Smith's book details the epic struggle that engulfed the Union side as it crossed the Rappahannock on December 11, encountering stiff opposition from Lee's men.
	Second Manassas 1862 : Robert E Lee's Greatest Victory (Campaign 95) by John Langellier -- "There never was such a campaign, not even by Napoleon" wrote Confederate General Pender of the Second Manassas campaign in which the gray-bearded Virginian, Robert E Lee, came as close as he ever would to exterminating his Northern enemies. In so doing, Lee established himself as the South's pre-eminent military commander and the Army of Northern Virginia as it's most powerful weapon. The fighting in northern Virginia left Union General John Pope's career in tatters and proved the South was a power to be reckoned with. This book's powerful account demonstrates that during that fateful summer of 1862 Lee's soldiers were fighting for anything but a lost cause.
	Hampton Roads 1862 : Clash of the Ironclads (Campaign 103) by Angus Konstam -- On 9 March 1862 the world's first battle between two ironclad warships took place in the confined waters of Hampton Roads, Virginia. The previous day the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia, impervious to her enemy's guns, had sunk two Union warships. When she re-emerged from Norfolk to complete the destruction of the Union blockading squadron the USS Monitor steamed out to meet her. The four-hour duel that ensued was a stalemate, but crucially the Virginia had failed to break the Northern blockade of the Southern ports. Nevertheless, in a single battle these two vessels rendered wooden warships obsolete and transformed the face of naval warfare forever.
	Fair Oaks 1862 : McClellan's Peninsula Campaign (Campaign 124) by Angus Konstam -- Following its humiliating defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, General George B. McClellan took command of the Union Army of the Potomac. In the spring of 1862, having rebuilt his forces, the "Little Napoleon" devised a plan to end the war in a single campaign. Transporting his army by sea to the Virginia Peninsula, he would outflank Confederate forces and march unopposed on Richmond, the Southern capital. Excessive caution squandered the opportunity, however, and on 31 May the Confederates struck at McClellan's divided forces at Fair Oaks. This book details McClellan's controversial Peninsula campaign and the southern attempt to halt the Union juggernaut.
	Seven Days Battles 1862 : Lee's Defense of Richmond (Campaign 133) by Angus Konstam -- When General Robert E. Lee took command of the Army of Northern Virginia, the Confederacy was in crisis. Lee changed all that in a brilliant, week-long campaign. On 26 June the Confederates struck, fighting two hard-fought battles in two days at Mechanicsville and Gaine's Mill. The ferocity of the Confederate assaults convinced McClellan that he was outnumbered. Unable to keep the Confederates at bay, the Union army was recalled to Washington. Despite losing a quarter of his men, Lee had saved Richmond, and inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Army of the Potomac. This book traces the course of this short yet crucial campaign.

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Civil War Bookstore, Main Page

On Reenacting the Civil War

Armies and their Insignia

Civil War Leaders

Battles & Tactics