With The War for the Common Soldier, Carmichael (Gettysburg College) has produced a much-needed update of the experience of the Civil War's fighting men on both sides of the ideological divide. Through a selection of "case studies," he gives readers almost the full spectrum of wartime experience, from life in camp and relations with the home front to the shock of battle and its aftermath, whether victory or defeat. He illustrates his main points with extensive quotations from primary sources plus a variety of contemporary illustrations that significantly add to the context. Carmichael is both an experienced author and a versatile presenter, and it shows; though the main text is just over 300 pages, his presentation has both breadth and depth. It is, in all, a major achievement. Excellent on its own, it will be particularly useful when paired with many of the detailed studies of wartime experience, e.g. Gerald Linderman's classic Embattled Courage (CH, Sep '87); Lorien Foote's work on discipline in the Union Army, The Gentlemen and the Roughs (CH, Apr'11, 48-4668); and the large and growing body of work on the home front, both North and South. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduates and general readers. --Brian Edward Donovan, University of Iowa