Virginians at War: The Civil War Experiences of Seven Young Confederates

by John G. Selby

Overview

Virginians at War is the tale of seven Virginians who strongly supported the Confederacy from beginning to end. Their stories illustrate how devotion to the 'cause' of independence, religious faith, family and community commitment to the struggle, and shared sacrifices tied these people to the flagging fortunes of the Confederacy.

Included here are stories of both men and women, on the battlefield and on the homefront. John G. Selby describes in vivid prose their seven intriguing lives based on their diary entries, letters, and memoirs. Through the lives of these men and women, readers will come to understand what the war meant to those who fought and survived it.

About the Author
Dr. John G. Selby is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his work in American and world history. In his twenty-two year career, he has taught on modern America, the Civil War, the Vietnam War, modern Middle East, and world history. He is currently professor of history at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780842050548
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	07/01/2002
Series:	The American Crisis Series: Books on the Civil War Era , #8
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.46(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.99(d)

About the Author

John G. Selby is professor of history at Roanoke College.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Prologue—Virginia on the Eve of Secession, Winter 1860-61 Chapter 2 "Let Us Close Up Our Ranks," April-May 1861 Chapter 3 They Also Serve: The Home Front, June 1861 Chapter 4 First Blood: Manassas, July 1861 Chapter 5 The Winter of Discontent, 1861-62 Chapter 6 Confederate Resurgence, Spring and Summer 1862 Chapter 7 Confederate Offensive, Summer and Fall 1862 Chapter 8 "Our Strength Was Equal to Our Day:" Civilian Life, May 1862-May 1863 Chapter 9 The High-Water Mark of the Confederacy? Winter Quarters, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg Chapter 10 A Time to Rest and Rebuild, August 1863-April 1864 Chapter 11 "All Our Sore Trials:" Civilians Endure the Third Year of the War Chapter 12 "A Season of Slaughter:" From the Wilderness to Petersburg, May-October 1864 Chapter 13 Missed Opportunities: The Second Valley Campaign, Summer and Fall 1864 Chapter 14 The Longest Year and the Hardest Winter, 1864-65 Chapter 15 The Final Days of the Army of Northern Virginia, March 25-April 21, 1865 Chapter 16 The Building Years, 1865-1885 Chapter 17 The Reflective Years, 1885-1921 Chapter 18 Epilogue—Character Endures

Editorial Reviews

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

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

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

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

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.

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