"A useful book that combines competant research with the distinct advantage of having a variety of homefront experiences and attitudes presented in a single volume." -School Library Journal "The genius of this book is its mix of documents, biographies and narrative analysis of home fronts which show the individuality of people of all ages, races, conditions, and loyalties responding to war in unique ways." -- -Randall M. Miller St. John's University "Well-written, interesting case studies that focus on the lives of individuals North and South...to illustrate how the war seeped into all aspects of American life...a fine survey" -Journal of Military History "Marten not only tells a great story, but also illuminates the experience of a broad range of people during the Civil War and its aftermath." -- -Stephen V. Ash University of Tennesse, Knoxville "...Engagingly retells the wartime stories of civilians dealing with the traumatic changes set in motion by the conflict." -Library Journal