The American Civil War brings together a wide variety of writing from the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, including short fiction, poetry, public addresses, diary entries, essays and song lyrics, accompanied by short introductions by Ian Finseth, a noted expert in the field of Civil War literature. Now in a thoroughly revised second edition, this slimmer volume has been revamped to:Emphasize a diversity of perspectives on the warInclude more women writersAchieve greater NorthSouth balanceInclude soldiers' testimonyProvide more historical context. Instructors and students will also find a newly developed companion website, with links to further research, images, and sound recordings of some of the Civil War songs published within the book. With selections from Louisa May Alcott, Walt Whitman, Henry Timrod, Abraham Lincoln, Nathanial Hawthorne, Harriet Martineau, and many more, The American Civil War remains an indispensable resource for readers who want to understand the impact of the conflict on the culture of the United States.