Civil War in 3D: The Life and Death of the Soldier

Soldiers in America's Civil War were more likely than those in previous conflicts to be literate; allowing them to write letters and memoirs, maintain journals, and thoroughly document their wartime experiences. In addition, an improvement in photographic methods allowed for the capture of thousands of images, a feat that was not seen in previous American wars. The combination of these factors makes the Civil War a richly documented conflict—and a luminous volume such as this possible. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, military historian Stephenson (The Last Full Measure: How Soldiers Die in Battle) here compiles another popular stereoscopic viewer box set, after The Great War in 3D. This latest volume reflects the Smithsonian's dedication to preserving and disseminating the nation's history and includes an overview of mid-19th-century photography as well as a richly illustrated chronology of the war. This set is enhanced by quotations that illuminate the experiences of soldier, slave, and civilian participants.