L. VIRGINIA FRENCH'S
WAR JOURNAL 1862-1865
L. Virginia French's journal gives the best insight into the everyday life of a Middle Tennessean that pen ever put to paper. During the first part of the journal her thoughts are somewhat philosophical but as time goes on and the war comes to her home in McMinnville Tennessee it all becomes very personal. Accounts of Yankee raids on the town, factories burned without warning while the female workers are still on the top floor and Cavalry battles literally in her front yard. She entertains General John Hunt Morgan and his new bride Mattie Ready Morgan days after their wedding. Fans of General Morgan will be amazed at the stories Mrs. French records in her journal as told by the General himself. Written down the very day of the telling. General Wheeler visits so often that a member of his staff becomes engaged to Virginia's niece!Women will be astounded by the details of of the local ladies dress, right down to the fabric, buttons and even their jewelry.
Details of how Terry's Texas Rangers were re-equipped by the local tradesmen, from their horse tac, shoes, boots and even how the local ladies pitched in to help with the clothing.
Every General officer, Colonel or Major that passes through the area calls on Mrs. French and she relates their tales to you through her journal. So many of the nagging questions about everyday life during the period, that I never thought I would know the answer to unfolded before me in crystal clarity as I read this journal.
It is probably best that we let her speak for herself.
A very small portion of this journal has been edited for clarity. In a few cases so has the spelling. But for the most part is appears here just as it does in the journal.
#B-2320 $19.95
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A DIARY FROM DIXIE
Mary Chestnut's diary gives us an insiders veiw of the workings of the Confederate Govt. and daily life in Richmond. Her husband being a politician and "aid de Camp" to Confederate President Jefferson Davis Mrs. Chestnut was privy to information that few others could hope to obtain. This combined with the fact that she knew all the best people, her journal details much of this "insider information" as well as day to day life and the struggles that the average citizen experienced and suffered through as the war lingered on. How the grim economics of war takes it's toll on everyday life, how the hopes of the masses rose with each victory and fell with each defeat.
Considered a staple for any historians library.
#B-103 $7.95
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THE SOCIABLE, or ONE THOUSAND AND ONE
HOME AMUSEMENTS
I was very happy to see this book reprinted. I have 3 copies of the original in my library, that's how much I enjoy this book.
This book is just plain fun. It's 375 pages full of games, puzzles and parlor magic that will keep you and yours entertained for hours. There is so much more to this book than I can possibly list here, you will just have to see it for yourself to appreciate it. First printed in 1858. This is a great tool for a governess. Don't tell the kids but there is a lot to be learned from this little volume.
#B-2986 $14.95
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OUR AMERICAN COUSIN
A drama in three acts by Tom Taylor. You must be at least a little curious as to the content of this play. Well here's the entire script. The last thing that President Lincoln ever saw. You can just read and enjoy or cast the charactors and perform it yourself. I'd come to see it.
#B-2987 $9.95
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LOLA MONTEZ, THE ART OF BEAUTY
What a great book! I don't see how this book ever goes out of print. I was lucky enough to buy several of the 1982 copies, printed in Australia from the estate of an old book dealer. You had better get them while they last because they never last long. If your not familiar with Lola your missing out, she was a real hell cat (my kind of gal). Originally printed in 1858 this faithful reproduction covers all the things a lady needs to know regarding beauty, health and worldly matters. She even throws in some advice for the guys, although I think much of that is "tongue in cheek".
#B-2454 $9.95
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A GIRLS LIFE IN VIRGINIA
BEFORE THE WAR
Mrs. Letitia M. Burwell's book was first published/printed in 1895 by the Stokes Co. of New York. Below she recalls what it meant to grow up as she did, on a Virginia plantation, knowing not the outside world but with the plantation being her world.
Brought up amid antiquities, the Virginia girl disturbed herself not about modern fashions, appearing happy in her mother's old silks and satins made over. She rejoiced in her grandmother's laces and in her brooch of untold dimensions, with a weeping willow and tombstone on it - a constant reminder of the past - which had descended from some remote ancestor. She slept in a high bedstead - the bed of her ancestors; washed her face on an old fashioned, spindle-legged washstand; mounted a high chair to arrange her hair before the old fashioned mirror on the high bureau; climbed to the top of a high mantel piece to take down the old fashioned high candle sticks; climbed a pair of steps to get into the high swung, old fashioned carriage; perched her feet upon the top of a high brass fender if she wanted to get them warm; and, in short, had to perform so many gymnastics that she felt convinced her ancestors must have been a race of giants, or they could not have required such tall and inaccessible furniture.
A very enlightening and often humorous look at plantation life and the "well to do" Southern planter.
Item # B-2347 $11.95
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A VIRGINIA GIRL IN THE CIVIL WAR
This history was told over tea cups. One winter, in the South, I had for my neighbor a gentle, little brown haired lady, who spent many evenings at my fireside, as I at her's, where with bits of needlework in our hands we gossiped away as women will. I discovered in her an unconscious heroine, and her Civil War experiences made ever an interesting topic. Wishing to share with others the reminiscences she gave me, I seek to present them in her own words. Just as they stand, they are unique, possessing at once the charm of romance and the veracity of history.
Don't judge a book by it's cover! This is a fun read that you can finish in just a few evenings or on a rainy day. It is written as a first hand account with Mrs. Avary acting only as secretary. Speaking as someone who has read many diaries and journals this book has all the hallmarks of a good story teller recalling personal experiances. Very enjoyable!
Item # B-2348 $17.95
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CIVIL WAR ERA PATTERNS & FASHION PLATES
What a great idea! I wish I would have thought of this one. Kristina Seleshanko has taken 60 patterns along with the fashion plates (black & white) straight from the pages of Peterson's Ladies Magazine and reprinted them here for you. All manner of garments too. Underpinnings, dresses, jackets, shoes, waist, and so on. This may be the handiest ladies reference book that has produced to date. She has even included a few post civil war era garments so that you can see how slowly fashions change from year to year.
If your busy life does not allow for a lot of "research time", but you would prefer the original source over second hand (and often faulty) information. This may be just the book you've been looking for. If you are handy with a pattern, enlarging and so forth, there is no reason that you can not take the patterns straight from this book to the cutting table. Enlarging patterns is somewhat of an art form, my opinion. If you've never done it you will probably need a little advice from someone who has.
ITEM # B-2341 $19.95
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HARD BOUND, HAND MADE JOURNAL
This item has a unique history behind it. We never intended to go into the book binding business but that recently changed. We were lucky enough to find a CS, Nashville made pocket Bible for soldiers dated 1862. Of course we want to reproduce it so I took it to several companies who do that sort of thing. Everyone told us no one would make the type of cover the original used, it was to hard, it had to be done by hand and that I should forget about it. I sort of took that as a challenge. I went straight to the work shop and started to experiment. Three days later I was binding books. These cool little journals are just the spin off of this project. We will have the bible by early 2008, we have to have those printed before we can bind them.
Now for the details, this journal has 48 pages. It measures 5 inches by 6 inches, that's a little large for the pocket but fits nicely into a haversack. The pages were folded and cut after binding just as the originals were. The spine is cloth book binding tape with an inner cotton tape for re-enforcement. The cover is painted press board just as the original book. The pages are hand sewn and then glued into the binding using our Grandmother's recipe for home made glue (looks just like Elmer's). These journals are very labor intensive and will be made on a very limited basis.
#B-2323 $9.95
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THE LANGUAGE AND SENTIMENT OF FLOWERS
I think you'll find the book "The Language and Sentiment of Flowers" very interesting. It is yet another look into the life of the young lady during the mid-19th century. That is not to say that giving meaning to flowers started only then. It can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient Rome the Rose meant beauty and the gift of a rose to someone stated that you thought them beautiful. All these years many of us have been giving roses and did not really know why. But held within the verses of this book you will decipher the secret meanings of all the flowers and how to use them to convey your deepest sentiments. Of course you may have to include a copy of the book along with them. This is not a copy of an original book but it appears to be a summarization done in a very easy to read style. My original copy by another title was published in 1847 and is quite large and can be difficult to reference. I find this book very easy to use and will not require any more study than you care to spend. All in all I think you will find a great deal entertainment for you and your friends held here.
ITEM #B-2182 $13.95
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DIARY OF A SOUTHERN REFUGEE
"War seems inevitable," wrote Judith W. McGuire in her diary on 10, May 1861, shortly after the firing on Fort Sumter. Fervently loyal to the South, she was packing up valuables at her home in Alexandria, Virginia, where the Confederate flag already waved. With here family she fled the city, and for the next four years she would be a refugee in her own land.
Literate and newsy, shrewdly detailed, and extremely moving, "Diary of a Southern Refugee" during the war is one of the best civilian records of the Civil War.
ITEM # B-2061 $17.95
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HILLGROVE'S BALL ROOM GUIDE AND PRACTICAL DANCER
First published in 1863 by Dick and Fitzgerald in New York. It is 237 pages long and is very informative. To quote the book, this is a "complete practical guide to the art of dancing". It contains descriptions of all fashionable and approved dances. It has full directions for calling the figures, the amount of music required; hints on etiquette, the toilet. etc.
There are many illustrations and the instructions are very easy to read and understand. Regardless of whether you are an accomplished dancer or a beginner you will find this a very helpful book. There is also a very good section on etiquette. I think anyone who likes Civil War era dances will enjoy this book.
ITEM # B-815 $17.95
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1861 GODEY'S LADIES MAGAZINE
A brand new copy of the magazine "Godey's , 1861 Reprint".
In the world of civil war civilian reenacting there is probably no other source that is referred to as much as Godey's. Without a doubt the most popular magazine of the day each issue is packed with stories, news, patterns and sewing tips. But, it is most famous for its usefulness in keeping the ladies informed on the latest hair styles, jewelry and fashion.
1861 GODEY'S LADIES MAGAZINE
ITEM #B-819 $14.95
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MARTINE'S HAND-BOOK OF ETIQUETTE
Martine's Hand-book of Etiquette and guide to true politeness. A complete manual for those who desire to understand the rules of good breeding, the customs of good society, and to avoid incorrect and vulgar habits.
The etiquette of courtship, marriage, domestic duties, and fifty-six rules to be observed in general society. First printed in 1866 but when compared to other war date and pre-war volumes on the same subject little or nothing was changed in this printing.
ITEM #B-690 $14.95
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THE WAR TIME JOURNAL OF A GEORGIA GIRL
The story of a young girl, Eliza Frances Andrews, caught in the middle of a raging Civil War with no where to run. Noted historian Douglas Southall Freeman says of this book, "A most important book that should have been included in my book The Confederate Bookshelf." A spirited account of the war and the first months of reconstruction. There is seldom a study done on women in the Civil War where this book is not quoted. One of the best references a southern girl can have!
ITEM #B-808 $19.95
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WOMEN IN THE CIVIL WAR
The book "Women in the Civil War" by Mary Elizabeth Massey, with introduction by Jean V. Berlin.
Had every woman and girl of the 1860's described the ways in which she was affected by the Civil War, no two accounts would have been alike. Some might have said they were scarcely aware that a conflict raged, most would have noted varying degrees of stress, and many would have reported direct involvement in the horrors of war. Rich and poor, young and old, white and colored, slave and free, Confederate and Unionist were all caught in the turbulence, but, included also were the middle classes and those with no deep seated political convictions or loyalties. To be found in all areas were selfless, dedicated, energetic, courageous, virtuous women as well as the self centered, selfish, indifferent, cowardly, lazy, and immoral. In Union and Confederacy alike the very finest and the very worst traits of American womanhood came to the surface during the war years.
WOMEN IN THE CIVIL WAR
ITEM #B-809 $19.95
TEMP. OUT OF STOCK.
DIARY OF A UNION LADY
The book "Diary of a Union Lady" by Maria Lydig Daly. Rumor, gossip, and innuendo are the weapons of the home front, and no one wielded them with quite the aplomb of Maria Lydig Daly. Her richly detailed comments on everything from inept Union generals to Dorothea Dix's appearance provide the liveliest memoir to emerge from a northern noncombatant. Daly, the wife of prominent New York City judge whose connections allowed her to meet many major figures involved in northern military and diplomatic strategy. Despite catty comments about Mrs. Lincoln and less than flattering appraisals of Union generalship, Daly could be sympathetic toward the suffering of the soldiers. She noted the fear with which many viewed the draft, seeing it as a terrible incursion on liberty, but she understood that the times called for severe measures.
ITEM #B-810 $24.95
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SALLY WISTER'S JOURNAL 1777-1778
A young Quaker maiden moves to the country to try to avoid the revolutionary war and ends up in the middle of it. Day to day accounts of her interaction with the continental officers, troop movements of both colonist and British. Many officers board and take their meals in the same house as she. Sally is a constant guest at the officer's table. A super little book! Very interesting and fun to read.
ITEM #B-722 $8.95
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BLUE AND GRAY ROSES OF INTRIGUE
A thrilling look into the role played by the female spy during one of the most desperate times in our Nation's history. True to life adventures of such daring women as Belle Boyd, Pauline Cushman, Rose Greenhow, Nancy Hart and many others you may have never heard of!
With lots of great photos it's an exciting look into the lives of women who dared risk their all for the country they loved.
ITEM # B-709 6.95
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THE MOTHER'S BOOK
Another wonderful book by Mrs. Child.
Author of "The American Frugal Housewife" and the "The Girls Own Book" as well as several more, the most published female author of her time. First published in 1831 this book is a wealth of information for the mother or nurse. Every step of child rearing is covered from infancy to teenage years and beyond. Mrs. child's lively form of writing is as entertaining as it is informative. Good advice for any generation and a very good insight to the times in which she lived.
ITEM # B-685 $14.95
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THE FAMILY NURSE
The Family Nurse by Mrs. Child, the most published female author of her day. This book was first published in 1837 and is full of home remedies for just about everything you could possibly come down with. As well as Mrs. Child's advice for staying healthy and good living in general. As with all Mrs. Child's books "The Family Nurse" is as enjoyable to read as it is informative. This is a great insight into the period and is a wealth of information for anyone who is interested in herbal remedies and natural healing.
ITEM #B-686 $12.95
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HOSPITAL SKETCHES
"Hospital Sketches" by Louisa May Alcott who is also the author of "Little Women". First published in 1863, this book details the true stories of an Army Nurse during the Civil War. A wonderful look inside the army hospitals as could only be told by one who was there. This book details the day to day trials of an army nurse.
ITEM # B-687 $9.95
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A BLOCKADED FAMILY
"A Blockaded Family" the trials and tribulations of a family in Southern Alabama during the war and there struggle to maintain under an ever tightening Federal blockade and the dwindling resources on the home front. Written by Parthenia Hague, a school teacher on a plantation near Eufaula Al. how they dyed cloth, made thread and hats, bonnets and home spun dresses are all discussed. A great look into the everyday life of a southern family during the war. I was particularly surprised to find out just how quickly the Union Blockade affected the interior of the Southern states.
ITEM #B-688 $14.95
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A FASHIONABLE DANCER'S CASKET
The dance instruction book "The Fashionable Dancer's Casket or Ball Room Instructor." First printed in 1856. A new and splendid work on dancing, etiquette, deportment, and the toilet by Charles Durang, with fourteen beautiful illustrations. This is a super book for the Civil War reenactor, male or female not only on the dances but how you should look, act and speak while there.
ITEM #B-689 $14.95
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THE GIRL'S OWN BOOK
ITEM #B-660 $12.95
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THE BOY'S OWN BOOK
The Boy's Own Book, 307 pages first published in 1829. It is a primer for boys and young men. Page after page of games, puzzles, stories, fishing tips as well as instruction in sword play. Anyone interested in the civil war or reenacting should have a copy of this book. It will give you a great insight as to the upbringing of the young men who would later become soldiers.
ITEM #B-661 $12.95
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POEMS OF PHILLIS WHEATLEY
The book "Poems Of Phillis Wheatley". The first African American woman to ever be published in the new world. She was brought to the Americas in 1761 from Africa, she had a complete grasp of the English language in less than 2 years and received no other schooling than what she was taught by the her master's family. I can not give sufficient praise to Ms. Wheatley's work so I will let Gen. George Washington do it for me. Here is an excerpt from a letter written by Gen. Washington to Ms. Wheatley in regard to a poem she wrote for him, about him. Dated Feb. 28, 1776. "I thank you most sincerely for your polite notice of me in the elegant encomium and panegyric. The style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your poetical talents, in honor of which, and as a tribute justly due to you, if you ever come to Cambridge, or near my headquarters, I shall be happy to see you in person." signed, Geo. Washington.
Her poetry is wonderful and since many of her poems are written about the day to day happenings around her you can actually get a feel for Old Boston and it's inhabitants in the era just before and during the American Revolution.
ITEM #B-695 $9.95
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THE DIARY OF ANNA WINSLOW 1771
Anna Green Winslow was a school girl in Boston just before the American Revolution in 1771. This diary is a wealth of information for anyone interested in the period leading up to the revolution. All aspects of a young lady's life are given in great detail in this book. The role of the church, her schooling and what industries she is encouraged to endeavor in as well as her relations with friends and family.
ITEM #B-696 $9.95
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NEW ENGLAND RARITIES 1672
By John Josselyn. First published in 1672. This 116 page little book is a very enjoyable look into how the old world saw the new. It's pages are filled with the new names of plants and animals with their descriptions as well as what the natives and New Englanders used them for. There are several wood cut illustrations too.
But my favorite is, if I may quote Mr. Josselyn "A perfect description of an Indian "Squa" in all her bravery, with a poem not improperly conferr'd upon her."
ITEM #B-697 $9.95
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SONGS OF THE COWBOYS 1908
The first cowboy songbook printed in America in 1908 written by "Jack" Thorp. "To the younger generation who know not of the trip from Texas to Dodge and the north it (this book) will tend to keep alive the memories of an industry now past. I have gathered these songs from the cow camps of different states and territories. They embrace most of the songs as sung by the old time cow punchers. I plead ignorant of the authorship of them but presume that most of the composers have ere now gone up the dim narrow trail." Howard "Jack" Thorp, author.
ITEM #B-698 $7.95
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