Arms and Equipment of the Civil War

When reading various Civil War books, I often came across weapons and other subjects that I wanted to know more about, such as the benefits and differences between, and applications of, smoothbore and rifled long guns and artillery, ammunition such as solid shot, shells, case shot, grapeshot, and canister, or how artillery pieces were handled and operated on land and water. This book answered those questions and many others, as well as provided other fascinating information. For example, the Union could have been deploying repeating rifles in mass quantity by 1863, and the gatling gun deployed much sooner, if not for the short-sighted conservatism of one, relatively low-ranking individual assigned as the head of the the Union's Ordinance Department.If you are interested in the tools and technologies of the Civil War, and essentially how the armies and navies were outfitted, clothed, fed, sheltered, and cared for when wounded or in death--this book is for you. In addition, you will come away with a better understanding of how battles were won or lost, as well as the war itself.Just a sampling of the details and illustrations provided for land and water applications: long arms, hand guns, artillery, munitions, clothing and footwear, accoutrements, saddles, flags, formations and staffs, shelters, ships and boats of all kind, mines and various special and unique weapons, balloons, railroads, forts and fortifications, and special sections covering the Quartermaster Corps, Medical Departments, Signal Corps, and the engineers on both sides. Excellent detailed drawings, including cut-aways and the inner workings and design of weapons, ammunition, ships of war, etc. are provided.

I'm well read in military history, particularly the Civil War, and at first glance this book seems like a lightweight. I was won over, however, by the drawings; they're a bit amateur, and of variable quality, but they're quite good -- particularly when depicting motion, and also at the other extreme, in loving, precise, carefully shaded renderings of arms and ammunition; there's a freshness to them, and an attention to detail that is often astonishing. I'm so glad the drawings drew me in, because even the most learned Civil War scholar will likely find many precious tidbits of knowledge here that they didn't already know. And the text is just as refreshing as the drawings, written in an often conversational style that manages to be charming rather than annoying, and avoids detracting from the reference material. The scope of the book is remarkable, everything from land mines to the Federal government issue bellows used by cavalry blacksmiths, to the intervals between skirmishers and battle lines for infantry and cavalry, even to ships, naval uniforms, and fortifications. This is one book that demands being bought in the print, rather than eBook, version (which I've also had a good look at).

When I saw the book, I remember thinking that the 1962 publication date would probably mean that it wasn't very good, but decided to try it anyway. This book is amazing! The author says up front that this is not a description of battles or tactics -- there are already enough books covering that. Rather, he talks about the weapons and equipment used during the war and more importantly, explains how they were used. Really eye-opening! There are no photos -- only drawings by the author -- but they are excellent. Highly recommend this book!

I purchased this book in 1962, during the Civil War Centennial, when I was 14 years old. I have found it to be, over time, the best introduction to arms, equipment, & other topics I have yet seen. It was my privilege recently to purchase an Amazon copy for a young friend just getting into reenacting. SHE is 14 years old, the same age I was when I got my copy, and loves it now as much as I did then. Even though SHE reenacts as infantry, SHE told me of HER plans to learn it all. I am capitalizing "SHE" & "HER" to dispel the notions some have that reenacting is a male only activity. I would put the women in my unit up against anyone in terms of authenticity, competency in drill, and combat skills. A really great book, not only at an introductory level, but as a keeper for future reference. Jack Coggins performed an immortal service when he penned this book.

As I read books about Civil War battles I come across references to Parrot Guns, Columbiads and torpedoes. Rather than gloss over them I can now see exactly what the authors are talking about and can better appreciate the weapons. This book is profusely illustrated and has explanatory text that explains the details (advantages and disadvantages) of the weapons. In addition, it describes the composition and tactics of the armies and navies, engineers, signal corps, railroads, quartermasters, artillery and naval weapons. It also illustrates various uniform insignia. In short, it explains many of the details that are alluded to, but not explained in other books about the war by Foote and others.

I really like Mr. Coggin's illustration about fighting men. Even if its just ink or pencil illustration. Its also great to note that he can also write just as well. Which was shown in this book. If then you like this book. You might want then to check out his major book called fighting Men. Which is a selected area book about the history of warriors and soldiers thru the ages. It has a honored place in my humble library.

Amazon has not given me enough time between receiving the book and when I began reading it to do an adequate job of putting together a review. It does look like a winner based on what I have seen so far.

Really awesome book. I've been searching HIGH and low for a detailed history of every piece that made up the Civil War and I found it here . Loved the detailed specs and illustrations. I liked how the author also picked out some rarities to discuss. If I had to find a fault it would THE NEED to add more information about the Confederacy.

Not quite as good as. a previous bought book, but informative and interesting for me would recommend it to anyone

"Arms and Equipment of the Civil War" is a must for all fans. After having viewed Ken Burns' documentary "The Civil War," we wanted to know more about armament. This classic by Jack Coggins is timeless and a must-have for every Civil War library.

Ich habe das Buch zur Wissenserweiterung gekauft.Für meine Aktivitäten in der Westernzeit insbesondere des Bürgerkrieges sehr ausführlich und informativ.