Encyclopedia of War and American Society (3-Volume Set)

Book Description

The impact of war on American society has been extensive throughout our nationâ€™s history. War has transformed economic patterns, government policy, public sentiments, social trends and cultural expression.Â Â

SAGE Reference is proud to announce the Encyclopedia of War and American Society. This Encyclopedia is a comprehensive, highly-credentialed multidisciplinary historical work that examines the numerous ways wars affect societies. The three volumes cover a wide range of general thematic categories, issues, and topics that address not only the geopolitical effects of war, but also show how the U.S. engagement in national and international conflicts has affected the social and cultural arena.Â Â

Key Features

Explores and analyzes three types of effects of warâ€”direct effects, interactive relationships, and indirect effectsâ€”to illustrate the range of connections between war and American society
Probes the correlations between our wartime expeditions and the experiences of the greater American society not limited to just the war years but also demonstrates how the wartime event impacted society after the conflicts ended
Offers readers a host of documents including passages from letters, diaries, autobiographies, official documents, novels, poems, songs, and cartoons, as well as images, graphs, and a number of tables of relevant data, surveys, and public opinion polls to extend their research capabilities
Concentrates mostly on the last 100 years to give more coverage on this often neglected wartime era

Key ThemesÂ

Arts and Culture
Civil-Military Relations
Economy and Labor
Education (both military and civilian)
Environment and Health
Journalism and Media
Law and Justice
Military Leaders and Figures
Planning, Command and Control
Race, Gender, and Ethnicity
Religion
Science and Technology
Veterans' Issues and Experiences
The Wars themselves and their civilian and military leaders

The Encyclopedia of War and American Society is a must-have reference for all academic libraries as well as a welcome addition to any social science reference collection.

The Encyclopedia of Civil War Usage: An Illustrated Compendium of the Everyday Language of Soldiers and Civilians

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Civil War Usage
CW Encyclopedia
The Encyclopedia of Civil War usage
The supreme reference tool for the American Civil War
Give'm the bulge! Bully for Garrison!

The Encyclopedia of Civil War Usage: An Illustrated Compendium of the Everyday Language of Soldiers and Civilians
Webb B. Garrison , and Cheryl Garrison
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

Slang & Idioms | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Reference | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Everyday Life During The Civil War
An Introduction to Civil War Civilians
Reliving the Civil War: A Reenactor's Handbook
The Civil War Reenactors' Encyclopedia
Everyday Life in the 1800s: A Guide for Writers, Students & Historians (Writer's Guides to Everyday Life)

ASIN: 1581821867

Book Description

NOW IN PAPERBACK! There are few systematic guides to the language used by the generation that fought the American Civil War. In the 150 years since the great conflict, our language has changed, and as meanings have become obscure or lost, links with this vibrant past have dissolved and much of that which had meaning to our forefathers no longer has the same meaning to us.

What did it mean “to cross the bar”? What did it mean “to see the elephant” or “to go South”? Why did the armies have so-called ninety-day men and hundred-day men? What were soldiers supposed to do when their commander shouted, “Let her go, Gallagher”? How did one “pay tribute to Neptune”? What was a “picket pin”? Could one make a passable meal of “possum beer” and “secession bread”? How did one “vibrate the lines,” and why would anyone want to attempt such a maneuver?

To address this need, Webb Garrison has pored over his notes from more than thirty years of research and study to produce this dictionary and encyclopedia of words and phrases (including nicknames and slang) commonly used during the war. Where appropriate, examples and anecdotes are included to illustrate meanings. Often overlooked naval terms and esoteric formal and informal military expressions are addressed as well as short descriptions of oceangoing vessels and river craft.

More than 2,500 entries and 250 illustrations cover the terms, equipment, and organization of the three million soldiers who fought in the war. HISTORY; CIVIL WAR
ILLUSTRATED; PHOTOGRAPHS
7” X 9”, 288 PAGES

Customer Reviews:

Civil War Usage.......2006-09-08

I purchased this book to help me understand the terms used during the Civil War for a history project I am working on. The book is easy to read and the terms that I needed where easy to find as well as suggestions for terms that went along with what I was looking for. It will be a great addition to my history part of my home library and the price was reasonable. The book has also spurred my interest in other subjects connected to some of the terms I found in the book. Great book for anyone working on the Civil War.

CW Encyclopedia.......2006-03-22

A helpful guide to words & phrases current in the Civil War. Entries, alphabetically arranged, are brief and concise, sometimes overly so. Military ceremonies are mainly ignored, and in one case not quite correct. Still, very useful to explain those obscure references one finds in diaries and newspaper accounts.

The Encyclopedia of Civil War usage.......2006-02-24

An invaluable tool to help you understand change in word usage--excellent for reinactors, writers and scholars of the Civil War era.

The supreme reference tool for the American Civil War.......2005-05-19

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest reference works about the American Civil War, written by one of the most renowned scholars in this field. The 2,500 entries range from 'A1' and 'abaft' to 'Zouave'. There is a rich collection of slang terms that represent the speech of both sides in the War as well as entries that refer to weapons and machines. There are also many nicknames of generals and high-ranking military officers (for which there are useful biographies provided)and eponymous phrases such as 'Sherman's neckties' and 'Sherman's sentinels' etc. There is also a great deal of information about places, battles, prisoner of war camps etc. This book will be enjoyed both by the historian and the linguist. Here one can find practically every term or phrase associated with this period of history. Admittedly if one scanned carefully in the Civil War section of Paul Dickson's excellent work 'War Slang' or in Robert Hendrickson's books 'Whistlin' Dixie' and 'Yankee Talk' then one may well come across the odd entry not incluuded here. However, this work constitutes the greatest colletion in a single volume.
As a non-American the American Civil War has always both interested me and bewildered me. It seems that popular opinion has often simplified the causes of the war. In the entry on 'Slavery' the authors declare that this was "not the only issue dividing the north from the south". Indeed, there were many other political and economic reasons. It is a fallacy to go on believing that the South was the side of the baddies who wanted slaves while the North were the goodies who wanted to free the slaves. The Americans had fought bravely to secure their own independence. It does not seem illogical why an extremely large section of the states should want to form their own country (that would have been analogous with Canada). If this was their wish they should have been allowed to do so. Perhaps the feeling between North and South would have been a lot different today if the South looked on the North as just a friendly neighbour (in the same way that Canada does) rather than holding a grievance. In the war both sides displayed heroism and both sides committed atrocities. The total cost in terms of human life makes the American Civil War one of the greatest tragedies of world history. As for the pretext about the slaves, this was just a pretext. If this had been such a vital issue then why in the aftermath of the war was there no legislation to make former slaves equal citizens. Even almost a century later the Afro-American (for whom this war was supposedly waged) was still treated as a second class citizen. In the 1950's there was still a system comparable with the South African 'apartheid' with black people not allowed to travel in the same bus compartment as whites. Even those black soldiers drafted in W.W.1. and W.W.2 were kept seperate in their own regiments. In the Vietnam war a disproportionately high percentage of black people were enlisted and were not allowed to use their 'dap' or 'soul handshake' for fear that it might form constitute some exclusive bond. Even today it is in the poor black neighbourhoods (not the luxurious tree-lined avenues where the senators live) that the military frequent to find expendable recruits for Iraq. In the new Iraq occupation some slighly black 'showcase' Afro-Americans like Colin Powell and Condolisa Rice have gained prominence and wealth. However, they do not represent the needs or voice of their race. For the ordinary Afro-American getting killed every day in Iraq or living in a poor underpriveleged ghetto, things are little better today despite the sacrifice of so many lives in the Civil War.

Give'm the bulge! Bully for Garrison!.......2002-09-21

If my above mentioned words didn't offer what this book is about I don't know what will. Cheryl and Webb Garrison have assembled a great book featuring Civil War slang, lingo and material names. Words such as chinch (bed bug), hardware (weapon), leg case (desertion) pop-skull (whiskey) and yaller dog (coward). These are just a small few of the many words in this great book on Civil War era language. This book would be great for reenactors or anyone studying the war and learning more about how people communicated or gobble talked!

Civil War Society's Encyclopedia of the American Civil War

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Civil War Society's Encyclopedia of the American Civil War
Civil War Society
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517149834
Release Date: 1997-09-02

Civil War Battles: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (American Civil War)

Average customer rating:

Historical Find

Civil War Battles: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (American Civil War)
Civil War Society
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Civil War Sites: The Official Guide to Battlefields, Monuments, and More
Great Maps of the Civil War: Pivotal Battles and Campaigns Featuring 32 Removable Maps (Museum in a Book, 2)
Civil War 101: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the North, the South, the Leaders, the Battles, and the History
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Oxford History of the United States)

ASIN: 0517202921
Release Date: 1999-07-20

Book Description

A fully illustrated, accessible encyclopedic collection in an A-to-Z format of essays on every significant Civil War battle, with authoritative text prepared by the Civil War Society. Includes maps and archival illustrations and photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Historical Find.......2007-02-08

Very interesting. I love anything to do with the Civil War--and this book is great for such reading. Excellent coverage of details. Any reader would enjoy this book though. Glad I bought it!

Collectors Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution

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BUY THIS BOOK
The best book written on Revolutionary War artifacts.
Excellent for re-enactors!

Collectors Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
George C. Neumann
Manufacturer: Scurlock Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Antiques & Collectibles | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Battle Weapons of the American Revolution
Revolutionary Soldier: 1775-1783 (Illustrated Living History Series)
Don Troiani's Soldiers of the American Revolution
Revolutionary Medicine, 2nd (Illustrated Living History Series)
Rebels and Redcoats: The American Revolution Through the Eyes of Those Who Fought and Lived It (Da Capo Paperback)

ASIN: 0960566678

Product Description

Photographic encyclopedia of artifacts from the American Revolution. A great resource for collectors, teachers, reenactors, living history participants or anyone interested in the 18th century. Features more than 2,300 photographs and descriptions of artifacts from the mid to late 1700s. The encyclopedic format lets you focus on the material culture of both combatants and civilians during the Colonial period of early America. From clothing to cookware, rifles to canteens, buttons to blankets, every aspect of life during the American Revolution is covered. With full-color dust jacket.

Customer Reviews:

BUY THIS BOOK.......2002-12-14

This is a CLASSIC reference book on Revolutionary War artifacts!
This one first came out around the time of the bicentennial, and has set the standard from day one. With photographs of original (and in some cases, excavated) and reproduction equipment, this book is a gold mine of information. Where photographs are not available, black and white line drawings by George Woodbridge fill the gap. Woodbridge is one of the BEST illustrators of military subject matter. He captures the details that matter.
Members of the Brigade of the American Revolution were used to further display everyday items used by 18th century soldiers. Museum curators, reenactors, collectors, illustrators and makers of reproduction equipment MUST HAVE THIS BOOK on their shelves.
My only criticism ? Color photos and exact measurements would have been nice. ...

The best book written on Revolutionary War artifacts........1999-12-26

George C. Neumann and Frank J. Kravic have really done it this time. Hands down this is the best book written on artifacts of the American Revolution. From A to Z you can look up nearly anything that was used in the War For Independence. Great for amateurs and pros alike it is an indispensable reference tool especially with museums and private collections. Very popular with online auctions as this book is referred to often. Great photographs that are clear with a brief description of every item. Some of these artifacts are now on display at Valley Forge. For collectors and historians alike this work is unparalleled and for over 20 years has been the "bible" for collecting artifacts of the American Revolution. No other work has come close. Highly recommended.

Excellent for re-enactors!.......1998-12-01

This book is an alphabetically organized list of hundreds of artifacts from the Revolutionary War, with photos of everything listed. Each item is described in detail, from powder horns to clothing to medical instruments. If you are a re-enactor of this period and you don't have this book, get it!

American Cruisers of World War II: A Pictorial Encyclopedia

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lists all Cruiser war credits ( battle stars ).
Worth the money.
An excellent summary of US WW2 Cruisers!

American Cruisers of World War II: A Pictorial Encyclopedia
Steve Ewing
Manufacturer: Pictorial Histories Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Cruisers of World War Two: An International Encyclopedia
US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942-45: World War Two Built Ships (New Vanguard)

ASIN: 0933126514

Customer Reviews:

lists all Cruiser war credits ( battle stars )........2001-05-26

This book contained what I was looking for. My Dad sereved on the USS Phoenix CL46. I found books that never gave Dads ship any credit for her war record, although this book dosen't list all the details, it sure did give Phoenix (and all other cruisers) credit well deserved. Excellent book!!

Worth the money........2000-11-13

It is unusually difficult to find good books on this subject. It has a brief history of each ship, and some excellent photos. I highly recommend it.

An excellent summary of US WW2 Cruisers!.......1999-01-30

If you find it somewhere, grab it! This is a great book. It covers 74 US Cruisers that saw action in WW2, that earned at least one battle star. It covers Heavy Cruisers, Light Cruisers, and the Alaska-class Battlecruisers. It also briefly covers the Princeton-class Light Carriers that were built on Cleveland-class cruiser hulls. The book covers the ship by class, with a short introduction. A summary of each ship's WW2 history then follows. There's at least one photo of every cruiser.

Colonial Wars of North America, 1512-1763: An Encyclopedia (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities)

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Colonial Wars of North America, 1512-1763: An Encyclopedia (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities)
Alan Gallay
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0824072081

Book Description

For the first time, a comprehensive reference resource pulls together a vast amount of material on this rich historical era and presents it in a balanced treatment that offers hard-to-find facts and detailed information. This volume is the first encyclopedic account of the United States' colonial military experience. It features 650 essays by more than 130 historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, geographers, and other scholarly experts on a variety of topics that cover all of colonial America's diverse peoples. In addition to wars, battles, and treaties, analytical essays explore the diplomatic and military history of over 50 Native American groups, as well as Dutch, English, French, Spanish, and Swiss colonies. It's the first source to consult for the political activities of an Indian nation, the details about the disposition of forces in a battle, or the significance of a fort to its size, location, and strength. Clearly, in addition to its reference capabilities, the book's detailed material is highlyuseful to students as a supplementary text and as a handy source for reporters and papers.
TheEncyclopedia begins with the Spanish conquistadors and ends with Pontiac's War in 1763. It explores topics as diverse as the Spanish mission system, privateering, captivity narratives, African American soldiers, medical services, sea laws, and armed confrontations with no European participants. More than 140 biographical sketches complement hundreds of essays on forts and geopolitically significant locales. Numerous maps and a detailed timeline of over 200 entries pinpoint dates, places, and locations. Ranging from Maine to Alaska and from New Mexico to Florida, with numerous excursions to Canada and the Caribbean, this information-packed Encyclopedia is destined to become the standard quick-reference work on colonial American history.
TheEncyclopedia provides easy access to information that is difficult to find and often unavailable in ordinary reference sources. Its wide geographical coveragehelps filling gray areas in our understanding of key historical events as it covers topics that often are little more than footnotes in traditional histories. In-depth essays on major wars and conflicts draw on both primary and secondary sources to provide focused and comprehensive accounts. All of the New England and British expeditions against Canada, and many of the international colonial conflicts are included, with an extensive bibliography and copious cross-referencing to help researchers. The book's comprehensiveness and accessibility make it a valuable addition to every school library, as well as a ready teaching tool in the classroom.

Encyclopedia of the American Civil War: A Political, Social, and Military History

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Amazing Work!!
Excellent Civil War Resource
A Fantastic Book
Indespensible Civil War resource
Civil War afficianados need this book!

Encyclopedia of the American Civil War: A Political, Social, and Military History
James M. McPherson
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Civil War Dictionary
The Civil War Day by Day: An Almanac, 1861-1865 (Da Capo Paperback)
The Oxford Atlas of the Civil War
The Atlas Of The Civil War
The Bloody Crucible of Courage: Fighting Methods and Combat Experience of the Civil War

ASIN: 039304758X

Book Description

The definitive reference work on the Civil War, this thorough and wide-ranging volume, rich with over 500 illustrations, 75 maps, and 250 primary source documents, offers more than 1,600 entries that chart the war's strategic aims, analyze diplomatic and political maneuvering, describe key military actions, sketch important participants, assess developments in military science, and discuss the social and financial impact of the conflict. Written by today's leading Civil War scholars, the essays are authoritative and easily accessible to anyone with a passion for American history.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Work!!.......2007-08-03

This is an absolutely essential book for anyone with an interest in Civil War scholarship. The scope and breadth of this work is utterly astounding. Over 250 Civil War scholars have joined to create over 2700 pages on 1600+ entries in this massive book. As advertised, this book is a political, social and military history, as pretty much nothing is missed. Makes a phenomenal starting point for information and research on about any subject or person relating to the war that you can think of. Each entry also includes a list of recommended books and articles for further reading for each entry in the encyclopedia. Several appendicies to the book are made up by important documents realted to all aspects of the conflict, a civil war chronology of events and a state by state battlefield location map. This is a book you will constantly refer back to for information. And, at the seldom instance you are not using this book for study, you can use it in your workout program, as it is darn heavy for a book.

Excellent Civil War Resource.......2006-02-26

As a writer and public relations practitioner where the Civil War is concerned, I've found Heider's Encyclopedia of the American Civil War to be a top-notch source of information about the War Between the States. Thorough, yet concise, there is information on all aspects of the conflict ranging from pre-war issues to its ultimate consequences. Although it's impossible to cover all skirmishes and engagements, it's amazing how many are included. The Documents section is impressive and all entries contain excellent cross-referencing. I recommend this encyclopedia to anyone interested in the conflict between the North and South.

A Fantastic Book.......2003-02-19

This is a massive book. It will soon be "THE REFERENCE" to most all Civil War debates.

If I were to pick just one book to go to, for a search of Civil War information, this one would have to be it.
From Battle, Politics, Leaders, speechs, debates, economics, literature, etc., IT IS ALL IN HERE.

This is one book that everyone would be proud to own. ( As well, as the kind that almost caves your chest in, laying in bed reading--It IS A BIG BOOK.)

There is such a wealth of information, and every thing is solidily backed up with excellent references. It's a fantastic book.

Indespensible Civil War resource.......2003-01-23

This humongous encyclopedia is easily the best reference I have ever seen on the Civil War. The thing is 2600 pages long, has 1600 entries, and weighs about 7 pounds, and is quite well written and edited. It covers military, political, and social events, and biographies equally. The articles are generally well written but short and introductory rather than exhaustive. Has lots of photos, illustrations and maps (the maps are OK but not spectacular), and a wonderful bibliogaphy section. I can't recommend this book enough. I learn something new every time I open it.

Civil War afficianados need this book!.......2002-10-20

First of all, this thing is MASSIVE! When you're done reading it you can use it for weight in an exercise routine. However, it has over 2200 pages so it will be a long read. That having been said, I believe this will henceforth be THE standard reference guide to the Civil War. It is packed with great photos and maps, some I have never seen before. The capsule summaries are well written and informative. I have glanced through this book and now I am ready to dive in and read it cover to cover. Get this one if you are a Civil War or History buff!

Average customer rating:

Written with a strong anti-American bias
A definite must have!!!!
Essential........
Great Book...
Excellent Reference for the Revolutionary War Student!

Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
Mark Mayo Boatner
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

Revolutionary | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Guide to the Battles of the American Revolution
A Battlefield Atlas of the American Revolution
The War of the Revolution
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Battles of the Revolutionary War: 1775-1781 (Major Battles and Campaigns Series)

ASIN: 0811705781

Customer Reviews:

Written with a strong anti-American bias.......2006-02-18

If you like your history served up anti-American style, this book is for you. But if not, keep looking. Like so many modern authors of American History books, Boatner is on a mission to counter the overly pro-American history books used in schools for many years. So he wrote this with an at least as bad anti-American bias. Sorry, two wrongs don't make a right. Does ANYONE write balanced history books? I'll leave you with a very interesting FACT (though untold in any review or description of this book): He lived in Paris when he wrote this book and did *all his research* there. That's Paris, FRANCE. Should tell you all you need to know.

A definite must have!!!!.......2005-08-24

Anyone who is mildly intersted or intensely obsessed with the American Revolution needs to have this reference on their bookshelf!!

Essential...............2005-07-11

Mark Boatner's "Encyclopedia of the American Revolution" is an indespensable guide for understanding those who participated, battles that were fought and leaders whom, even though they may have played a smaller role, guided the republic, fought the republic and observed the republic from its inception.
All the facts are here to cross reference the Revolution with any books you may choose to read or facts you may want to dig deeper toward understanding.
Perhaps the most significant piece of a large puzzle in understanding the Revolution from all aspects.

Great Book..........2005-03-08

This was the first book I picked up on the American Revolution... Its a very useful reference covers the battles, major players, causes of the war, as well as other minor things... I highly recommend this book...

Excellent Reference for the Revolutionary War Student!.......2004-06-09

In my humble opinion, Boatner has written the best reference book for anyone wanting to learn more of the many Revoltionary War sites in the colonies and territories beyond.

Since I live close to many of the sites in North and South Carolina, the book has been a valuable source of information for learning more about these sites.

Whether you live in the South, North, or Midwest, Boatner's book will be a valuable guide for you in learning more about the sites close to your home. The book is also an interesting read for anyone who may not live close to any of the sites and will encourage you to perhaps visit some of these sites someday.

Customer Reviews:

Indian Wars Conflict Resolution................2007-09-05

Excellent chronological record of the relevant actions of the frontier army from the offical govt/public record.

An interesting read that's also a reference worth keeping.......2006-11-30

Many books call themselves an encyclopedia of this or that but turn out to be simply random collections of information on their topic. However, Gregory Michno's Encyclopedia of Indian Wars: Western Battles and Skirmishes, 1850-1890 really is a miniature encyclopedia of the Indian Wars fought between the U.S. Army and various Native American tribes or groups during the period when Euro-Americans came to dominate the western United States.

The bulk of the book (345 out of 438 numbered 5x9" pages) consists of brief descriptions of 840 major and minor battles and "firefights" that occurred in twenty Midwestern and Western states/territories and adjoining parts of Mexico. The descriptions are arranged chronologically within each year, 1850-1890. Drawing largely on Army after-action reports, Mr. Michno's narratives are heavy on facts for each event: when, where, who, casualty counts and immediate results. By providing the names of many Army officers and NCOs as well as significant members of their Native American opposition it is possible to get a feel for some of the participants' careers over a number of years.

One of the most useful features is a 32-page introductory section of state/territory maps showing the locations, tied to accompanying lists and page references, for every action described in the book. This allows readers to locate all the events in a particular locale regardless of when they took place.

A conclusion and appendix section has several interesting statistical tables summarizing the intensity of the actions in terms of numbers of actions each year, the number of combatants involved and casualties incurred. Twenty-two pages of reference notes, a 16-page bibliography and a 27-page index increase this book's value as a reference for further research or reading. In my opinion the most interesting of the scattered black and white photos of those showing the battle sites in recent years, but the photos are not a strong part of the book. There are no maps showing more detail than the simple state reference maps.

Some reviewers lament the author's supposed apologetic view of the Army's involvement, but I didn't read the book that way. The dominant perspective is that of the U.S. Army and other non-Indians because it is mostly from their records, the only ones available in many instances, that the descriptions are taken. The bulk of the narratives are summaries of facts included in the reports (the weakest link, as in any such war, being the casualty count inflicted on the adversary). If anything, the facts often portray the Army poorly in that its often impossible to glean from the description any rationale for the Army initiating a particular action - and sometimes getting beaten - and there are numerous occasions mentioning non-combatants (primarily women and children) being injured, killed or taken prisoner (i.e., hostage).

I don't think the author's perspective on the infamous Wounded Knee Creek action on December 29, 1890 is apologetic of the Army, just politically incorrect. That's because Michno points out not only that the Lakota suffered 128 killed and 33 wounded (a lerge number of whom were non-combatants), but that the Lakota, in turn, were not passively massacred but inflicted 60 casualties (25 KIA, 35 WIA) on their 7th Cavalry adversaries. That was the largest number of casualties suffered by the 7th Cavalry apart from the Little Bighorn battle. Who knew?

My main complaint is that the day-by-day format sometimes makes it hard (despite references to prior or subsequent related events) to trace a particular multi-day or even multi-week or month campaign. For instance, the 1877 Nez Perce War is hard to follow because unrelated events elsewhere are intertwined in the same months. If the author revises this book I'd like to see a reference section with maps and a listing that groups significant campaigns together in some fashion.

Highly recommended as background reading and a reference to keep for anyone interested in the Indian Wars, American history or military history. Makes an excellent companion book when touring historic sites associated with the Indian Wars (I bought my copy on a visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield last spring).

Extremely Comprehensive.......2006-11-10

If you are interested in ALL the battles and skirmishes in the west, this book is for you. I was amazed to see how many fights took place in my part of the country. The author has done extensive research, but I could do without the occasional editorializing when defending the U.S. Cavalry.

An impressive work.......2005-11-08

If you live in the West this book is absolutely fasinating. The familiar small city names and familiar places, together with an excellent set of maps adds depth to your understanding of your surroundings. But be prepared for an unflinching look at some very brutal episodes though, this is not a sanitized Hollywood version of the West. This is the real deal from a real deal historian.

A MUST-HAVE BOOK.......2004-06-15

Mr. Michno has done something I have never seen. He has published a book that consists of historical information that is IMPARTIAL to either side of the conflicts. It is plain facts with no opinionated frilly storytelling or taking sides. This book has given me a greater understanding of what was going on during the Indian Wars. It has great cross-referencing and maps. It is also a great book for road travel too!

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