Ronald S. Coddington

Make no mistake. AFRICAN AMERICAN FACES OF THE CIVIL WAR is an important piece of research. And a huge amount of effort went into finding both the photographs --which are rare compared to those of white soldiers in those years -- and the background information that used to bring life to the 77 faces in the photos.

For those looking for an easy book that will expose the 'inner person' of these men, you will be disappointed. Ronald Coddington's book is meticulously researched and his style is to place the soldier in the context of social climate and the battlefield. He quotes from literature that was known to be important to the men; and he quotes from letters and newspapers describing battles and smaller incidents.

In one case, for example, he describes the abuse Nick Biddle suffered as he tried to board a train. Because he was in uniform the crowd was outraged and he was hit with a jagged bit of brick. And Coddington writes, "[S]ome consider Biddles blood the first shed in hostility during the Civil War."

And in other cases, the author describes how grandparents were princes and leaders who came to America after having been taken captive in wars in Africa and sold into slavery.

Coddington's book is a fascinating way to revisit the Civil War. I found it interesting to see the diversity of human feelings between Black and White people. Love and hate. Respect and friendship. As in all times, there is no one single story. Which makes this book so important to scholars and those who just enjoy history.

Pam T~
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