#AmReading – The Civil War-Strange And Fascinating Facts

The Civil War – Strange And Fascinating Facts by Burke Davis (1996) – A collection of lesser-known bits of history about the American Civil War.  It dispels some myths while confirming others.

Davis was a career journalist who wrote many popular and well-regarded books on the Civil War.  This book was first published in the years leading up to the centenary remembrance of the War Between the States.  He takes on questions about Lincoln’s beard (Westfield, NY!),  the curious case of Wilmer McLean (the war would not leave the poor man alone), well-known figures of the time like John Brown, and lesser-known ones like the Rains Brothers.  For a history buff, it’s a nice treat.  You get to nod knowledgeably at the stories you already know and squirrel away a few new stories for future use.  For the casual history fan, this is easy and fun reading.

The book also is one of the joys of checking out book sales.  I got this at the annual event held by the county library system.  Thousands of books stacked and waiting to be discovered by new readers.  That day I took home a grocery bag full, books, CDs and DVDs.  All for $10 (I like bag sale day.  I may miss out on some books that way, but there is ALWAYS something great hanging around)  The wonderful part is that you don’t have to worry about the cost of books if your budget is tight, they sell at a fraction of the cover price.  Plus, at the end of the year, you can donate them back if you like.  (I will note that the book is available in hardback at a VERY reasonable price at the link above)

My volume is the second reprint, it was reprinted again in 2001.  The cover flyleaf has an interesting oddity itself.  On the back flap, Davis is referred to as “she”.  Burke was a man to the day of his death in 2006.

A quick and fun read for any fan of history.

Rating – **** Recommended