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

by John G. Selby

Book 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0842050558
• ISBN13: 9780842050555
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Globe Pequot Publishing Group Inc/Bloomsbury
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A Good Book, But

This book gives as it promises, "The Civil war Experiences of seven Young Confederates." It is well documented and researched. The only problem that keeps me from awarding 5 stars is that the Characters move in and out of the work in a rather confusing manner, which, at least in my case, forced me to go back and confirm just which character the author was speaking of. Even with that problem, it will be a good addition to anyone's civil war libray.

The Civil War in Human Terms

I found Dr. Selby's book poignant and insightful. His use of the personal in history makes one see the war in human terms. The ambivalence, sacrifice, and struggle of the participants shatters the romantic notions of the Confederacy to reveal real human beings. The imprint of the war on the profiled Virginians brings history to life. I strongly recommend it.