There is no doubt that the Civil War era is a complex, multifaceted period in U.S. history. In what could serve as a complementary volume to the recently published second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Civil War (2011), Richter ably delves into the political side of the quagmire in his second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The nearly 1,000-page tome offers a lengthy chronology of Civil War–related happenings covering the latter half of the nineteenth century, an explanatory introduction that serves to prove that there was much more to the Civil War period than the armies and the battles they fought, a dictionary section with in excess of 800 entries, a collection of appropriate primary source documents, and a well-organized, 132-page select bibliography. From Carpetbaggers to Scalawags, Abolitionists to the Ku Klux Klan, and Lincoln to Davis, readers will gain a solid understanding of the political aspects entwined with the Civil War and Reconstruction. Researchers will be able to use Richter’s terrific bibliography as a jumping-off point to a deeper probing of related topics. Although the Civil War was largely a somber period in history, Richteris not averse to infusing a bit of his sense of humor into his writing. For example, in describing Union general and later politician Daniel Sickles, Richter writes that Sickles was “generally an all-around man’s man or a jerk, depending on one’s point of view.” The infusion of apt lightheartedness helps to reinforce the humanity behind the people and events of history. As is the case with the other titles in the Historical Dictionaries series, Richter’s most recent effort is comprehensive and clearly written. It would certainly be a useful resource for anyone with an interest in the political landscape of the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

Booklist

A select chronology begins this volume, followed by an introductory essay that reviews the changing historical interpretations of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Richter (The Army in Texas During Reconstruction, 1865–1870)then offers more than 800 entries, some cross-referenced, spanning 1844–77, on a wide variety of topics including politicians, legislation, notable women, battles and wars, and economics. Appendixes present documents related to the era (e.g., the constitutions of the United States and of the Confederacy). The select bibliography is arranged by topic.

Library Journal

This is an excellent library reference book and will also help the American Civil War historian or
scholar who is into a lot of research work on this time period.

The Lone Star Book Review