The American Civil War (1861-1865) tested the character of the people of the United States of America like no event before or since. The Civil War Experience provides a unique glimpse into the world of the 1860s - the military, political, and social events of the war are explored, and the heroes, from great leaders and generals to common soldiers and civilians, are identified. Written by Civil War author and award-winning documentary director and producer Jay Wertz, and including a wealth of readings of extraordinary first-hand accounts on an audio CD, The Civil War Experience contains 30 facsimile items of Civil War memorabilia integrated into the pages of the book. The reader can re-live this momentous period of history by holding and examining maps, diaries, letters, orders and broadsides, newspapers, and posters, which up till now have remained filed or exhibited in the United States' finest public archives and private collections.