Michigan Monuments

When America fought its bloodiest war, Michigan sent over 90,000 troops. The First Michigan was the first western regiment to respond to Abraham Lincoln’s call for troops, leading to his famous exclamation “Thank God for Michigan!” History buffs will be delighted with Michigan Civil War Landmarks by David Ingall & Karin Risko. With over 70 monuments in the lower peninsula alone, there is probably one close enough to visit this week. If you are the least bit curious about Michigan’s role in the War Between the States take a look at this book soon! DB

Death, Politics, and Roadtrips

Fascinated by presidential killings and their public commemoration, author and NPR contributor Sarah Vowell helms a whirlwind tour of American history in Assassination Vacation.  She visits sites and artifacts related to Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley -- all the while weaving in her trademark humor and social commentary.  If you like this title, check out some of Vowell's other books -- The Partly Cloudy Patriot, The Wordy Shipmates, and Unfamiliar Fishes.  HM

March

If you are familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s story “Little Women” then you know all about Beth, Jo, Amy and Meg.  In Geraldine Brooks novel March we meet their absent father and learn much about his pre-Little Women life as well as what went on while he was away from his family, serving in the army during the Civil War.  If you are at all familiar with Geraldine Brooks writing then you know she is meticulous in her research.  She brings to life the Civil War from a point of view rarely seen.  This is a must read.  Coincidentally, Confederates in the Attic (see previous entry), was written by Geraldine Brooks husband.  While he was busy researching this non-fiction story she rebelled against all things Civil War.  It must have rubbed off on her and if you read the afterward in March you will get quite the chuckle.  SG

Living History

Join former war correspondent and author Tony Horwitz as he investigates the sometimes curious mark The Civil War has left on the United States in Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War.  From experiencing "period rushes" with hardcore reenactors to puzzling out the differing interpretations of the Confederate flag on either side of the Mason-Dixon, Horwitz explores how attitudes and grudges born in America's bloodiest conflict are still shaping the country's social and cultural fabric today.

Interested in seeing a Civil War reenactment this summer? Check out http://www.michigan.org for events within Michigan.  HM

Calling all Historians!

Have we got the book for you! Discover the Civil War is a fresh new look at an old topic. This book was published as a special companion to an exhibit at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The chapters are themed and provide an up-close and personal look at the war through the eyes of everyday people. Learn about the Confederacy and read the Confederate Constitution. Find out about surprising connections among leaders of the Union and Confederate armies. Learn about women who enlisted and fought disguised as men. Look at drawings of enemy camps done from hot air balloons. Read first-hand accounts of battles in letters written to loved ones at home. Read the touching letter of a slave asking the President if she was free. This is definitely one of the best books available. DB