Suggested Reading
The 72nd New York Infantry in the Civil War: A History and Roster (McFarland, 2014)
by Rick Barram
This book tells the story of the 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry, part of Dan Sickles’ famed Excelsior Brigade, tracing their service through major battles from recruitment to their disbanding in 1864. Using soldiers’ letters, diaries, memoirs, and official reports, it captures their experiences in the war.
Dear Uncles: The Civil War Letter of Arthur McKinstry, A Soldier in the Excelsior Brigade (Excelsior Editions, 2022)
by Rick Barram
A New York soldier's eyewitness account of life in the first year of the Civil War, from the campgounds to the battlefields.
Regiments & Uniforms Of The Civil War (Stackpole Books, 2014)
by Don Troiani
An illustrated guide for historians, collectors, and reenactors.
Hard Tack And Coffee (originally published in 1887)
by John B. Billings
Originally published in 1887, this book is an excellent introduction to the real soldier's life during the Civil War. The author served with the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. The often tongue in cheek humor not only illustrates army life but does it in a highly entertaining way. An excellent read all on its own.
With My Face To The Enemy (2001)
Edited by Robert Crowley
Essays by David Herbert Donald, Gary W. Gallagher, James M. McPherson, Stephen W. Sears and others
This book examines the pivotal people and events of the Civil War as told by some of the most respected historians of the Civil War. While this is a serious book, it fits well with a first-time reader of Civil War literature. It is extremely well-written and very readable by a first-time reenactor.
Echoes Of Glory - Arms And Equiment Of The Union (Time Life Books 1991)
By the eiditors of Time Life Books
Using photos and materials complied by Time-Life for their Civil War series. This book does a great job illustraiting the equipment, weapons and uniform items carried by the average Union soldier. This book is an excellent book if you are interested in the American Civil War.
