Book Review: The World of the Civil War: A Daily Life Encyclopedia

Abstract

This work is part of Greenwood’s Daily Life Encyclopedias series which addresses the branch of historical scholarship that emphasizes the roles and experiences of ordinary people rather than focusing exclusively on political/military leaders and similar prominent historical figures. Its 230-plus entries are divided into ten categories: “Arts”; “Clothing, Fashion, and Appearance”; “Economy and Work”; “Family Life and Gender Roles”; “Food and Drink”; “Housing and Community”; “Politics and Warfare”; “Recreation and Social Customs”; “Religion and Belief”; and “Science and Technology.” Copies of fifteen primary documents follow the main section. Each section begins with a brief introduction that sets the context, followed by alphabetical entries for each sub-topic. Entries average 2–3 pages. Black and white illustrations are interspersed throughout the text. A table of contents conveniently lists all entries alphabetically under each broad category. Other features include a chronology, “see also” references to related articles, further reading lists for each entry, a selected bibliography, and detailed subject index.