Author visit - "A People at War: Civilians and Soldiers in America's Civil War" March 22, 2007

A vivid portrait of how the Civil War convulsed the everyday lives of Americans is presented in a new history, A People at War: Civilians and Soldiers in America's Civil War (Oxford University Press). The authors, Scott Nelson and Carol Sheriff, associate professors of history at the College of William and Mary, will discuss their work about life for ordinary Americans during the Civil War on Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in the Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland Street. The presentation is free of charge and reservations are not needed.

A People at War brings to life the full humanity of the war's participants, from women behind their plows to their husbands in army camps; from those fleeing slavery to their former masters; from Mayflower descendants to freshly recruited Irish sailors. The book also explores the violence beyond the battlefield, illuminating the sharp-edged conflicts of neighbor against neighbor, whether in guerilla warfare or urban riots.

For more information about the program, call (757) 259-4050. Copies of their book and of Nelson's recent book about folk legend John Henry, Steel Drivin' Man, will be available for purchase and signing.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of programs.