The Civil War and Reconstruction: A Documentary Reader

"Harrold provides an excellent introduction with not only the historical facts, but also a solid discussion of the historiography. The introduction alone makes it valuable in the classroom. For instructors looking for a good set of primary documents to use in their upper-division Civil War courses, Harrold has provided a great service. Highly recommended.” (Choice, November 2008)

"A rich mix of documents, extending chronologically from Garrison's 1833 'Declaration of Sentiments' to Tourgée's grim 1879 commentary on Reconstruction. Here the words of Lincoln and Calhoun mingle with those of lesser-known folk: a woman soldier, a witness to the Sand Creek Massacre, black South Carolinians asserting their rights of citizenship. Excellent for course adoption."
–Elizabeth Leonard, Colby College

"This most useful collection of first-hand testimony sheds light on the origins of the Civil War, the civilian and military sides of the conflict, and its contentious aftermath during Reconstruction. Compelling as well as instructive, these accounts reveal a nation grappling with issues both profoundly important and dramatic."
–Gary W. Gallagher, University of Virginia

"A balanced collection, expertly introduced and edited, that will serve students and teachers well for years to come. Harrold's reader is distinguished by the breadth of depth of its sources, giving readers a comprehensive view of the war years and Reconstruction."
–Aaron Sheehan-Dean, University of North Florida

"An excellent collection of materials on the era of the Civil War and Reconstruction. It will be of enormous value to all students of this tumultuous period in US history."
–John Ashworth, University of Nottingham

"Professor Harrold’s compilation of primary documents offers a useful and thorough coverage of the Civil War and Reconstruction era including a student-friendly selection of songs, poetry, newspaper articles, illustrations, and political cartoons."
–Joan Waugh, University of California, Los Angeles

“Harrold has deftly drawn from the political, social, military, and economic history of the north, south, and west to provide a comprehensive picture of America in the Civil War era.”
–Heather Cox Richardson, University of Massachusetts, Amherst