The Life of Johnny Reb

I read this interesting, but old book, about the daily life of the rebel soldier. It was very interesting, and often used first hand accounts, with all the horrendous spelling, to tell the true tale of the average private. It was fairly detailed, talking about such things as gambling, diseases, different nationalities fighting, weapons, hardships, etc.

Some things were left out including prison camps, and how they treated Yankee prisoners. It seemed as if the author, Bell Irvin Wiley, was unwilling to admit for the most part, the failings of the Confederates. He tried to maintain neutrality, and was, for the most part, successful. It just seemed that he was a bit selective in what he chose to share from the soldiers accounts.

It is definitely an interesting book to read if you are studying American History, and it tells of individual events that happened at major battles, such as, to make up a quote, they captured 20,000 arms at Shiloh. He is very good at showing the progression of problems throughout the war, and the cause and effect associated with these problems.

It was a bit tedious at times, but a good read if you are more interested in day-to-day details then dates and generals. Final Grade: 4.1 stars.