Product Description

The American Civil War remains the nation's central national epic, having changed the fledgling "Union" into the "United States". The scars of that devastating internecine conflict of a century and a quarter ago have long since disappeared, but there remains a seemingly insatiable desire to learn more of the circumstances and the detail of the war. This beautifully illustrated book provides that detail in respect of the tactical deployment of forces in the field and the fighting methods employed by the infantry, artillery and cavalry forces. Fighting Skills of the Civil War follows the soldier, gunner and cavalryman from his enlistment, through formal training, to his eventual deployment in the field. When war broke out some men had already served with volunteer units of varying professionalism, others were experienced hunters, while some were just ill-prepared youths. At first many officers and men were bewildered by their drill. Even the simplest exercises left green officers at a loss. They were also unfamiliar with their new weapons. By the end of the war many of these men had become highly experienced soldiers with an expert knowledge of field-craft, tactics and weaponry. Each chapter will chronicle these changes and the impact on the three million men who went to war from 1861-65. This work also includes features on the weapons of the war from the infantryman's simple rifle-and-bayonet through a plethora of officers' swords and sabres and pistols and revolvers, to the mighty artillery pieces.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3456477 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

About the Author
William C. Davis has written more than thirty books on American history, particularly of the Civil War period, including two that have achieved Pulitzer Prize nominations. He has acted as consultant and advisor to many organisations including the Eastern National Parks & Monuments Association, the US Intelligence Historical Society, and the N.O.A.A. He is Professor of History and Director of Programs for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech. He frequently gives entertaining lectures during riverboat tours.