Virginians at War

Reviews / Votes

This book offers a unique mosaic of the Civil War through the eyes of individuals who lived and served in various parts of the Commonwealth. Between them, these women and men experienced every facet of the war, from secession to combat, hardship to ultimate defeat. Throughout their collective ordeal we see the human reaction to war and a sense of hope in the 'cause' until it was lost. -- Brian Steel Wills, University of Virginia's College at Wise Professor Selby's fascinating study of the diverse experiences of Virginians whose early adulthood was dominated by the Civil War is an outstanding addition to the literature. It superbly delineates the wide range of challenges this generation of Virginians faced during the war, the sacrifices they made on behalf of the Confederacy, and the war's effect on their lives. Distinguished by judicious analyses of events, compelling prose, and subjects that are unfailingly interesting, Virginians at War will appeal to Civil War enthusiasts and general readers alike. It deserves-and should find-a wide audience. -- Ethan S. Rafuse, United States Military Academy, author of A Single Grand Victory: The First Campaign and Battle of Manassas An intriguing look into the lives and thoughts of seven Virginians. Their stories show that many of today's 'accepted interpretations' are at odds with how most white Southerners viewed the pivotal events in which they were involved from 1861 to 1865. Their commitment to 'cause and comrades' did not waver significantly through these four long years. -- Arthur W. Bergeron Jr., historian, Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg Virginians at War views the Confederate experience from the perspective of young Virginians whose published letters, diaries, and memoirs chronicle the war years in the Old Dominion. A compelling portrait of men and women placed squarely in the context of their time and place, this book uses an impressive synthesis of the latest and most significant scholarship to address basic questions about the war and its legacy. This is an original and fascinating study with much to offer anyone interested in the Civil War and the generation who lived through it. -- J. Tracy Power, South Carolina Department of Archives and History John G. Selby has written a landmark study of the Civil War in the East from a different and valuable perspective. By using the lives of four men who fought on the battlefields and three women who endured on the home front, Virginians at War: The Civil War Experiences of Seven Young Confederates hits all the major campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia. Rich in sources, rich in drama, rich in feeling, rich in understanding, this is a wonderful study of men and women being tested in the crucible of a cruel war. -- John C. Waugh