From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up-This illustrated history offers a stunning array of reproductions and photographs of the sites, people, and artifacts associated with the war. The book is divided into 29 two-page chapters covering such topics as the slavery debate, the election of 1860, raising armies, camp life, women during the war, Gettysburg, and the Confederacy surrender. A paragraph of text introduces each topic and informative, often lengthy, captions accompany the numerous black-and-white and full-color illustrations. This title will make an outstanding addition to collections of Civil War history and will draw visual learners. The many dramatic photos may inspire students to seek more in-depth material.Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. The American Civil War becomes accessible in the familiar decision of Eyewitness books. The double-page spread format uses brief text, many illustrations, and lengthy captions in very small type. Illustrations include period photographs, engravings, and documents, as well as photos of artifacts such as rifles, flags, and uniforms. Arranged roughly chronologically, the book begins with discussions of states' rights and slavery and ends with Reconstruction. In between, it discusses some major battles but focuses primarily on broader topics, such as "The Underground Railroad," "Great commanders," and "Army camp life." A highly visual treatment of the war. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


The New York Times
...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series]


School Library Journal
These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series]


Scholastic Instructor
...akin to a 'portable museum exhibit.


Book Description
Discover the war that turned brother against brother -- from the birth of the Confederacy to Reconstruction. Here is a dramatic, photo-filled guide to the war that split the Union. Eyewitness Civil War includes everything from the issues that divided the country, to the battles that shaped the conflict, to the birth of the reunited states. Rich, full-color photographs of rare documents, powerful weapons, and priceless artifacts plus stunning images of legendary commanders, unsung heroes, and memorable heroines combine with stories of courage, adventure, and defiance to paint an unforgettable portrait of the American Civil War. See Fort Sumter's battle-torn flag, a beardless Lincoln, the tools of a Civil war surgeon, and the Confederate capital in ruins. Learn how to fire a cannon, the secrets of the Underground Railroad, about the Confederacy's First Lady, and what soldiers carried into battle. Discover who plotted Lincoln's assassination, where the last Confederates surrendered, what happened to Jefferson Davis, and why the North won the war, and much, much more!


Card catalog description
Examines many aspects of the Civil War, including the issue of slavery, secession, the raising of armies, individual battles, the commanders, Northern life, Confederate culture, the surrender of the South, and the aftermath.

ANNOTATION

Examines many aspects of the Civil War, including the issue of slavery, secession, the raising of armies, individual battles, the commanders, Northern life, Confederate culture, the surrender of the South, and the aftermath.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Here is a dramatic, photo-filled guide to the war that split the Union. Eyewitness Civil War includes everything from the issues that divided the country, to the battles that shaped the conflict, to the birth of the reunited states. Rich, full-color photographs of rare documents, powerful weapons, and priceless artifacts plus stunning images of legendary commanders, unsung heroes, and memorable heroines combine with stories of courage, adventure, and defiance to paint an unforgettable portrait of the American Civil War.See Fort Sumter's battle-torn flag, a beardless Lincoln, the tools of a Civil war surgeon, and the Confederate capital in ruins. Learn how to fire a cannon, the secrets of the Underground Railroad, about the Confederacy's First Lady, and what soldiers carried into battle. Discover who plotted Lincoln's assassination, where the last Confederates surrendered, what happened to Jefferson Davis, and why the North won the war, and much, much more!

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal