Peels back years of accumulated analysis, interpretation, and opinion to reveal the human face of history.

During the Civil War, a good map could spell the difference between victory and defeat. This book collects the war's most notable, interesting, and beautiful maps--and tells the story of how they were made. Ranging from exquisitely detailed renderings reproduced in full color to rough pencil sketches drawn from horseback, these maps are both striking works of art and invaluable historical artifacts. The anecdotal text explains the techniques and travails of mapmaking during the war and reveals the little-known cartographic exploits of George Armstrong Custer, writer Ambrose Bierce, and Brooklyn Bridge engineer Washington Roebling, among many others.

This guide explores beyond the major national sources of information on civil war research, such as the National Archives in Washington.