Overview

America's language changed, along with its history, because of the Civil War. Nowhere is the point more riveting than in The Language of the Civil War. This is a unique compilation of slang, nicknames, military jargon and terminology, idioms, colloquialisms, and other words are expressions used (and often originating) during the American Civil War. Organized like a standard dictionary, this volume contains approximately 4,000 entries that focus primarily on everyday camp life, military hardware, and military organization. This one-of-a-kind reference work will make it easy for readers to learn the origin and meaning of such Civil War terms as Buttermilk Rangers, jackstraws, Nassau bacon, pumpkin slinger, and stand the gaff. Language of the Civil War contains words originating during the American Civil War. Besides explaining terms and phrases no longer in use, the entries also provide the origins of many common expressions or the original meanings of many familiar sayings that have since changed meaning or connotation. Although many of the terms arose from the nature and needs of life in the military camps, others were in common use in civilian society across both the North and the South. Illustrated with 50 photos and drawings, the volume is a unique resource for students, scholars, reference librarians, and Civil War enthusiasts and reenactors.

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9781573561358

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Reviews

The Language Of The Civil War compiled by journalist John D. Wright is an impressive reference (accessibly organized in the style of a dictionary) of slang, nicknames, military jargon, idioms, colloquialisms, and other words that originated in or were commonly used during era the American Civil War. Meticulous in its comprehensive attention to detail, The Language Of The Civil War is an essential addition to Civil War reference collections, and sheds considerable linguistic comprehension and background on the language and terminology endemic to virtually all primary sources and first-person accounts of America's bloodiest war. In addition to being invaluable for academia in general and Civil War buffs in particular, The Language Of The Civil War is also an ideal resource for writers of historical fiction set in the Civil War era and seeking authenticity and realism in their work. -MBR: Internet Bookwatch This new work will be a welcome addition to the literature of the Civil War by scholars, students, and history buffs....an excellent book offered at a reasonable price. It should be considered for inclusion in any library that has an interest in the Civil War, as well as by interested readers in the general public. -American Reference Books Annual Wright has taken considerable effort to include language describing the everday activities of soldiers, weapons, fortifications, food, drink, and clothing...The portrait of the Civil War soldier that emerges displays the considerable wit and humor with which he often faced desperate situations...provide a solid introduction to the common expressions of Civil War soldiers. -Gale Reference-Lawrence Looks at Books Attractively written and well researched...The physical production is excellent, and the book is well indexed....a fascinating book. -Reference Reviews This excellent reference book can be purchased for the high school collection and, because of its timeless nature, kept indefinitely. It will prove invaluable for the student or teacher reading Civil War related material and books. Recommended. -The Book Report This volume opens up life in the 1860s for casual readers, historians, students, and Civil War enthusiasts....This fascinating look at language provides a treasure trove of not just words but anecdotes, history, trivia, and lifestyles of the Civil War. It is recommended for all public and academic libraries. -Booklist/RBB Wright, a reporter for Time's London bureau, has successfully compiled a dictionary that reflects how civilians and soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War spoke and wrote. ...this volume should appeal to those interested in the lighter side of history and would easily fit into public and academic libraries. -Library Journal For a long time, there has been a wide choice of books about the American Civil War for a popular audience, but what about scholars? Wright offers a reference that should delight both...Highly recommended for academic or special libraries supporting programs in Civil War and language studies and American social history; essential for libraries located near major Civil War sites. -Choice ?Attractively written and well researched...The physical production is excellent, and the book is well indexed....a fascinating book.?-Reference Reviews ?This excellent reference book can be purchased for the high school collection and, because of its timeless nature, kept indefinitely. It will prove invaluable for the student or teacher reading Civil War related material and books. Recommended.?-The Book Report ?This volume opens up life in the 1860s for casual readers, historians, students, and Civil War enthusiasts....This fascinating look at language provides a treasure trove of not just words but anecdotes, history, trivia, and lifestyles of the Civil War. It is recommended for all public and academic libraries.?-Booklist/RBB ?Wright, a reporter for Time's London bureau, has successfully compiled a dictionary that reflects how civilians and soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War spoke and wrote. ...this volume should appeal to those interested in the lighter side of history and would easily fit into public and academic libraries.?-Library Journal ?This new work will be a welcome addition to the literature of the Civil War by scholars, students, and history buffs....an excellent book offered at a reasonable price. It should be considered for inclusion in any library that has an interest in the Civil War, as well as by interested readers in the general public.?-American Reference Books Annual ?For a long time, there has been a wide choice of books about the American Civil War for a popular audience, but what about scholars? Wright offers a reference that should delight both...Highly recommended for academic or special libraries supporting programs in Civil War and language studies and American social history; essential for libraries located near major Civil War sites.?-Choice ?Wright has taken considerable effort to include language describing the everday activities of soldiers, weapons, fortifications, food, drink, and clothing...The portrait of the Civil War soldier that emerges displays the considerable wit and humor with which he often faced desperate situations...provide a solid introduction to the common expressions of Civil War soldiers.?-Gale Reference-Lawrence Looks at Books ?The Language Of The Civil War compiled by journalist John D. Wright is an impressive reference (accessibly organized in the style of a dictionary) of slang, nicknames, military jargon, idioms, colloquialisms, and other words that originated in or were commonly used during era the American Civil War. Meticulous in its comprehensive attention to detail, The Language Of The Civil War is an essential addition to Civil War reference collections, and sheds considerable linguistic comprehension and background on the language and terminology endemic to virtually all primary sources and first-person accounts of America's bloodiest war. In addition to being invaluable for academia in general and Civil War buffs in particular, The Language Of The Civil War is also an ideal resource for writers of historical fiction set in the Civil War era and seeking authenticity and realism in their work.?-MBR: Internet Bookwatch

?The Language Of The Civil War compiled by journalist John D. Wright is an impressive reference (accessibly organized in the style of a dictionary) of slang, nicknames, military jargon, idioms, colloquialisms, and other words that originated in or were commonly used during era the American Civil War. Meticulous in its comprehensive attention to detail, The Language Of The Civil War is an essential addition to Civil War reference collections, and sheds considerable linguistic comprehension and background on the language and terminology endemic to virtually all primary sources and first-person accounts of America's bloodiest war. In addition to being invaluable for academia in general and Civil War buffs in particular, The Language Of The Civil War is also an ideal resource for writers of historical fiction set in the Civil War era and seeking authenticity and realism in their work.?-MBR: Internet Bookwatch

?Attractively written and well researched...The physical production is excellent, and the book is well indexed....a fascinating book.?-Reference Reviews ?For a long time, there has been a wide choice of books about the American Civil War for a popular audience, but what about scholars? Wright offers a reference that should delight both...Highly recommended for academic or special libraries supporting programs in Civil War and language studies and American social history; essential for libraries located near major Civil War sites.?-Choice ?The Language Of The Civil War compiled by journalist John D. Wright is an impressive reference (accessibly organized in the style of a dictionary) of slang, nicknames, military jargon, idioms, colloquialisms, and other words that originated in or were commonly used during era the American Civil War. Meticulous in its comprehensive attention to detail, The Language Of The Civil War is an essential addition to Civil War reference collections, and sheds considerable linguistic comprehension and background on the language and terminology endemic to virtually all primary sources and first-person accounts of America's bloodiest war. In addition to being invaluable for academia in general and Civil War buffs in particular, The Language Of The Civil War is also an ideal resource for writers of historical fiction set in the Civil War era and seeking authenticity and realism in their work.?-MBR: Internet Bookwatch ?This excellent reference book can be purchased for the high school collection and, because of its timeless nature, kept indefinitely. It will prove invaluable for the student or teacher reading Civil War related material and books. Recommended.?-The Book Report ?This new work will be a welcome addition to the literature of the Civil War by scholars, students, and history buffs....an excellent book offered at a reasonable price. It should be considered for inclusion in any library that has an interest in the Civil War, as well as by interested readers in the general public.?-American Reference Books Annual ?This volume opens up life in the 1860s for casual readers, historians, students, and Civil War enthusiasts....This fascinating look at language provides a treasure trove of not just words but anecdotes, history, trivia, and lifestyles of the Civil War. It is recommended for all public and academic libraries.?-Booklist/RBB ?Wright has taken considerable effort to include language describing the everday activities of soldiers, weapons, fortifications, food, drink, and clothing...The portrait of the Civil War soldier that emerges displays the considerable wit and humor with which he often faced desperate situations...provide a solid introduction to the common expressions of Civil War soldiers.?-Gale Reference-Lawrence Looks at Books ?Wright, a reporter for Time's London bureau, has successfully compiled a dictionary that reflects how civilians and soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War spoke and wrote. ...this volume should appeal to those interested in the lighter side of history and would easily fit into public and academic libraries.?-Library Journal Attractively written and well researched...The physical production is excellent, and the book is well indexed....a fascinating book. -Reference Reviews For a long time, there has been a wide choice of books about the American Civil War for a popular audience, but what about scholars? Wright offers a reference that should delight both...Highly recommended for academic or special libraries supporting programs in Civil War and language studies and American social history; essential for libraries located near major Civil War sites. -Choice This excellent reference book can be purchased for the high school collection and, because of its timeless nature, kept indefinitely. It will prove invaluable for the student or teacher reading Civil War related material and books. Recommended. -The Book Report This new work will be a welcome addition to the literature of the Civil War by scholars, students, and history buffs....an excellent book offered at a reasonable price. It should be considered for inclusion in any library that has an interest in the Civil War, as well as by interested readers in the general public. -American Reference Books Annual This volume opens up life in the 1860s for casual readers, historians, students, and Civil War enthusiasts....This fascinating look at language provides a treasure trove of not just words but anecdotes, history, trivia, and lifestyles of the Civil War. It is recommended for all public and academic libraries. -Booklist/RBB Wright has taken considerable effort to include language describing the everday activities of soldiers, weapons, fortifications, food, drink, and clothing...The portrait of the Civil War soldier that emerges displays the considerable wit and humor with which he often faced desperate situations...provide a solid introduction to the common expressions of Civil War soldiers. -Gale Reference-Lawrence Looks at Books Wright, a reporter for Time's London bureau, has successfully compiled a dictionary that reflects how civilians and soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War spoke and wrote. ...this volume should appeal to those interested in the lighter side of history and would easily fit into public and academic libraries. -Library Journal The Language Of The Civil War compiled by journalist John D. Wright is an impressive reference (accessibly organized in the style of a dictionary) of slang, nicknames, military jargon, idioms, colloquialisms, and other words that originated in or were commonly used during era the American Civil War. Meticulous in its comprehensive attention to detail, The Language Of The Civil War is an essential addition to Civil War reference collections, and sheds considerable linguistic comprehension and background on the language and terminology endemic to virtually all primary sources and first-person accounts of America's bloodiest war. In addition to being invaluable for academia in general and Civil War buffs in particular, The Language Of The Civil War is also an ideal resource for writers of historical fiction set in the Civil War era and seeking authenticity and realism in their work. -MBR: Internet Bookwatch

Author Information

John D. WRIGHT is a reporter with with Time magazine in its London bureau. He has taught journalism at three universities. He has also written extensively for People magazine. Wright has contributed to numerous reference works, including Collins Dictionary of the English Language, Bloomsbury Thesaurus, and Oxford Guild to British and American Culture.

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