Once neglected by historians but increasingly coming under scrutiny are the Civil War home front and war zone experiences of women and children, blacks, Native Americans, immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and Mormons. Frank, who also edited Women in the American Civil War (CH, Jan'08, 45-5361), draws together her own work and that of eight contributing scholars in this reference volume that focuses on these once-ignored populations. Nine readable essays feature illustrations, biographical inserts, and useful bibliographies. Part of the "Perspectives in American Social History" series, this book includes a concise introduction by series editor Peter Mancall, chronology, glossary of Civil War terms, listing of related primary sources, and extensive bibliography. Though other publications similarly offer alternatives to the top-down approach to Civil War history that long reigned (e.g., James Marten's Civil War America: Voices from the Home Front, 2003), this treatment combines essays with information on social history and Civil War historiography, along with the useful references and bibliographic aids already mentioned. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. T. McDevitt Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Gr 9 Up-Rather than highlighting politics or battles, these titles focus on how individuals and groups-including women, youth, African Americans, Native Americans, and various religious minorities-fared and were shaped by events during significant periods in American history. In addition to the attention to diverse groups, chapters in Great Depression explore the myriad problems faced in urban areas versus the countryside, and the impact of both technology and Hollywood movies during the 1930s. Civil War includes essays on soldiers, civilians, immigrants, and cities. Chapters in each volume are well researched, well documented, and individually authored. Informative sidebars will pique readers' interest in lesser-known personalities, while the substantial number of primary sources appended to each volume will allow advanced researchers the opportunity to explore topics in more depth. Black-and-white archival photographs and occasional charts are included.-Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This compilation of well-written essays on the social history of the American Civil War by Frank (editor, Women in the American Civil War) is a new installment in ABC-CLIO's "Perspectives in American Social History" series. Unlike most books written about the Civil War, this one explores the impact the conflict had on ordinary citizens, soldiers, African Americans, Native Americans, women, children, immigrants, religious organizations, cities, and towns. Students who use this book will come away with a better understanding of how one of the major events in U.S. history brought about many changes to the lives of citizens throughout the country. Included in each chapter are in-text citations, black-and-white photographs, and sidebars about specific individuals. The book contains an excellent time line that covers the period from 1833 to 1894 and 17 primary-source documents such as letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, music, and poetry. There is an extensive bibliography and a glossary of terms associated with the Civil War. Bottom Line This well-rounded book would be a nice addition to a school media center, two-year college, or public library collection. [See also Jazz Age below, which belongs to the same series.-Ed.]-Diane Fulkerson, Univ. of West Georgia Lib., Carrollton, GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.