Damian Shiels

This book arose from a blog set-up by the author, who is a professional Archaeologist working in Ireland, to generate interest and research into the emigrant experience of the Irish in nineteenth century America. Over a period of 3 years he has provided detailed information on such diverse topics as Irish born recipients of the Medal of Honour ,list of Irish Generals on both sides of the conflict and the post-war occupations of the Civil War survivors. This book elaborates on these blogs backed up by the latest research in both America and Ireland to summarise the experience of Irish emigrants who fought and died in both Blue and Grey uniforms and who distinguished themselves by bravery on the battlefields- e.g. the Irish Brigade at both Fredericksburg , Antietam and the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. Indeed the book recollects the visit of President Kennedy to Ireland in June 1963 ,when in an address to the Irish Parliament , he presented to the Irish Nation a colour flag of the 69th New York Infantry ,in recognition of those gallant Irishmen and what they had done for America. The book is a wonderful read and by illustrating key events of the Civil War through the words of individual participants , he succeeds in bringing the Civil War to life. Highly recommended by me.… (plus d'informations)