Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley door pickup 10am - 7pm 3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
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  • Open Daily: 10am - 10pm
    Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm

    3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
    612-822-4611

Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm
3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
612-822-4611
Manhood and Patriotic Awakening in the American Civil War: The John E. Mattoon Letters, 1859D1866

Manhood and Patriotic Awakening in the American Civil War: The John E. Mattoon Letters, 1859D1866

Donald, Robert Bruce

Hardcover

Letters & EssaysCivil War Period (1850-1877)

ISBN10: 076183933X
ISBN13: 9780761839330
Publisher: Hamilton Books
Published: Jan 1 2008
Pages: 130
Weight: 0.46
Height: 0.40 Width: 6.24 Depth: 9.01
Language: English

It has been over sixty years since the first book that tried to explain the life and lot of the common soldier in the American Civil War was published. Since Bell Wiley's Life of Johnny Reb (1943), there have been many thousands of pages devoted to the troops and the social history underlying the conflict of the Civil War. Within that historical record, one question still captivates and provokes: why did they fight?

John E. Mattoon was certainly one such common soldier, aside from his uncommonly interesting and expressive letters. This book constitutes a valuable case study illuminating the motives, experiences, and ultimate realizations of a young cavalry volunteer. The exploration of John's personal motivations and the actions of his peers adds further clarity to our body of knowledge, which may force us to reassess some preconceived notions about the prototypical Union soldier. Scholarly research adds historical context to provide colorful depth and flesh to a developing interpretation of John's experiences. A refreshing approach to an old conflict-students, teachers, and anyone interested in the personal side of war will benefit from the firsthand glimpse of Manhood and Patriotic Awakening.

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Civil War Period (1850-1877)

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