So after 12 years since the original hardcover publication McFarland has decided to release a paperback edition as it as sold well. This is very exciting.
]]>This volume details the Civil War experiences of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteers as they traveled more than 9000 miles in the service of their country. The book looks at the attitude prevalent in Wisconsin at the start of the war and discusses the background of the men who comprised the regiment, 72 percent of whom were farmers. Compiled primarily from the letters and diaries of the men who served in the 11th Wisconsin, the work focuses on the firsthand day-to-day experiences of the common soldier, including rations (or lack thereof), clothing, disease, and, at times, the simple act of waiting. The 11th Wisconsin lost more men to disease than to battle, so their story presents an accurate picture not only of the heroic but also the sometimes humdrum yet perilous existence of the soldier. Appendices provide a list of occupations practiced by the men, dates of muster into service for the regiment’s companies and a copy of a sermon delivered by George Wells after Lee’s surrender in 1865.
About the BookThis volume details the Civil War experiences of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteers as they traveled more than 9000 miles in the service of their country. The book looks at the attitude prevalent in Wisconsin at the start of the war and discusses the background of the men who comprised the regiment, 72 percent of whom were farmers. Compiled primarily from the letters and diaries of the men who served in the 11th Wisconsin, the work focuses on the firsthand day-to-day experiences of the common soldier, including rations (or lack thereof), clothing, disease, and, at times, the simple act of waiting. The 11th Wisconsin lost more men to disease than to battle, so their story presents an accurate picture not only of the heroic but also the sometimes humdrum yet perilous existence of the soldier. Appendices provide a list of occupations practiced by the men, dates of muster into service for the regiment’s companies and a copy of a sermon delivered by George Wells after Lee’s surrender in 1865.
About the Author
Christopher C. Wehner is a history teacher in Colorado.
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“the powerful story of a regiment from the Wisconsin frontier that saw hard service in the Western Theater. Christopher Wehner has written a deeply researched Civil War narrative”–Lance J. Herdegen, author of The Men Stood Like Iron: How the Iron Brigade Won Its Name
“a first-rate account of a Union regiment that fought in some of the toughest campaigns of the Civil War in the West. Well researched and well written. Highly recommended”–William Shea, co-author of Pea Ridge and Vicksburg Is the Key.
I received my first royalty check from my publisher, McFarland. According to their statement, they have sold 121 copies of The 11th Wisconsin in the Civil War. My first check was far more substantial than I ever thought I would get. As I have said before, like most history authors I wrote this book out of passion for that regiment and my desire to see their story told. Never thought I’d sell more than a few copies. I know, far cry from the history books (authors) that sell thousands of copies, but I was still very pleased and surprised.
]]>Bret over at TOCWOC noted that, “Wehner’s writing style was very enjoyable and allows readers to become immersed in the story of the regiment. It caters to beginners as well as self-styled experts on the Civil War. The author relies heavily on the letters and diaries of the 11th Wisconsin’s soldiers to tell their own story, just as it should be.” Read Full Review.
Drew at Civil War Books & Authors was also impressed with the book, saying, “Wehner writes well, especially in his battle descriptions, integrating first person accounts into his narrative with both well chosen block quotes and a skillful weaving of short excerpts into the main text.” Read Full Review.
And finally, the Civil War News had this to say about the book, “The 11th Wisconsin is a fine regimental history and will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the Western Theater, especially the Vicksburg and Mobile campaigns.” Read Full Review.
[cross posted at blog4history]
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Hello 11th Wisconsin descendants and enquirers! I do not have any updates on how sales are going, but for a regiment history, it seems to be strong. Reviews are starting to come in, and so far so good. Drew at Civil War Books and Authors gave the book high marks commenting, “Wehner writes well, especially in his battle descriptions, integrating first person accounts into his narrative with both well chosen block quotes and a skillful weaving of short excerpts into the main text.”
If you have not, please consider getting your copy as there are some good deals on Amazon.
More updates this week!
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