The American Civil War (1861-1865) was predominantly an infantryman's war. Artillery had improved substantially since 1815 and guns could inflict murderous losses if they had a clear field of fire. But most Civil War battlefields were characterised by sprawling forests and broken ground. Cavalry were important for reconnaissance, raiding and rearguard actions but there was little scope for sabre charges in the grand old manner when infantrymen armed with muzzle-loading rifles could face such tactics with confidence. Ultimately, the Confederacy's survival as a nation would largely depend on the fighting ability of its 642 infantry regiments.  'Confederate Infantryman 1861-1865' is an invaluable look into the daily life, appearance, and battle experiences of the infantry of the American Confederacy for the entire duration of the American Civi War. The book can be obtained pretty cheap and is a relatively short read (a mere 64 pages) but provides an excellent foundation as well as information relevant for experienced students of the Civil War. Ian Drury, the author, is an experienced military historian knowledgeable of the 19th and 20th Centuries. G A Embleton needs no introduction as one of Osprey's first and best known illustrators.

The first part of the book is an introduction to the Civil War and the background and thoughts of the average infantryman early in the war. A brief chronology follows. Recruitment is the first topic dealt with, and is touched on only with relative brevity. Following this are a short section on equipment and more substantial ones on the appearance and clothing of the soldiers, and their weapons. This latter section contains a chart of the major manufacturing spots for Confederate rifles. The next sections discussed are training and tactics. The latter one is particularly rewarding, discussing how the Confederate infantry faced all sorts of situations and enemies as both skirmishers and infantry of the line. The book then looks at several typical engagements and the morale and fighting spirit of the troops. The career of an infantryman-turned Major-General, Patrick ('Pat') Ronayne Cleburne is then looked at to illustrate the experiences of the infantry of all ranks. The final division of the book is on logistics, and ends with a sobering estimate of roughly how many of the Confederate infantrymen died during their careers. Embleton's artwork is good as usual.  As with all good Civil War books, there are haunting photographs of many soldiers, both live and dead, throughout the book. Overall, this book is a fine source on the infantrymen of the South, and would be a must for reenactors, Civil War enthusiasts, and history teachers.  Softcover.

Former library book and is stamped as such but otherwise excellent to like new condition, NO writing, notes, highlighting, or dog-eared pages, minimal handling, pages crisp and clean, binding intact,  from a smoke-free home.  Why pay more?