Admirable . . . destined to become the standard of its period. -- The
New York Times Book Review
From the turmoil and tragedy of America's Civil War came an outpouring
of song that was clearly no longer European in inspiration, but
distinctively American, born of a deeply shared experience. It has been
estimated that over 10,000 songs were written about the Civil War. This
book brings together 125 of the finest and most typical of these songs
in one of the best edited, most comprehensive collections of Civil War
songs ever published.
The songs are richly varied in subject and theme. Among them are
stirring marching songs and patriotic hymns, sentimental ballads and
comic ditties, boasting songs and drinking songs, fighting songs and
loving songs. Of course, the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic, Dixie,
When Johnny Comes Marching Home, and Tramp, Tramp, Tramp are here. But
so, too, are the less familiar but no less memorable Booth Killed
Lincoln, The Vacant Chair, The Cumberland and the Merrimac, All Quiet
Along the Potomac and Many Thousand Gone.
The book is divided into nine groups of songs -- battle songs,
sentimental songs, comic songs, songs about the Union, the Confederacy,
Abraham Lincoln, and more. Each section contains a historical
introduction, illustrations, a story and background information about
each song, scores for each song arranged for easy piano, with guitar
chords, and all the verses.
For enthusiasts, students, and historians of American popular music,
American history and the American Civil War, here is a book that will
provide endless hours of browsing, study, and enjoyment. Irwin Silber is
a leading authority on America's folk song heritage, editor of Sing
Out, the folk-song magazine, and anthologies of a number of song
collections.
A wonderful distillation of Civil War music for the modern reader or
musician . . . a fine job of selecting the best and most singable of
Civil War songs . . . the historical notes are full and accurate. --
Chicago Tribune
