Poetry & Songs of the Civil War, 1861-1865

Give this video a 'huzzah' for taking a different tack towards an often filmed subject: the Civil War. Here, the producers have gathered together a number of songs and poems and placed them against a background of paintings, battle re-enactments, and historical pictures. Many of the songs survive to this day ("Dixie," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"), while others present a vivid story of persons ("Farragut," "Little Giffen") and events ("Sherman's March To The Sea," "The High Tide At Gettysburg") on both sides of the conflict. The poetry is especially rousing (remember that this was an age when strong rhymes not only served to preserve history, but also stirred patriotic passions). A technically well-done video with an off-the-beaten-track viewpoint, this will be a valuable and popular addition to most collections. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)