The Life of Johnny Reb (Used)

The Everyday Experiences of the Common Confederate Soldier

Bell Irvin Wiley’s The Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacy examines the Civil War through the experiences of the ordinary enlisted man rather than generals and political leaders.

Drawing from soldiers’ letters, diaries, newspapers, official records, and other firsthand sources, Wiley explores why men enlisted, how they endured military life, and how their attitudes changed as the conflict continued. The book covers camp routines, combat, food, clothing, weapons, illness, religion, discipline, morale, desertion, correspondence with family, and relations with Union soldiers.

Written as a social history, this influential work offers researchers and readers a detailed look at the hardships, beliefs, contradictions, and daily realities experienced by Confederate soldiers.

Topics Covered

• Enlistment and motivations for serving

• Camp life and winter quarters

• Combat and battlefield experiences

• Military food, clothing, and equipment

• Disease, injury, and inadequate medical care

• Religion, morale, and homesickness

• Letters between soldiers and their families

• Discipline, desertion, courage, and fear

• Confederate soldiers’ views of Union troops

• The physical and emotional effects of prolonged war

Ideal For

• American Civil War enthusiasts

• Military and social-history readers

• Historians and researchers

• Students and educators

• Reenactors and historical interpreters

• Genealogists researching Confederate ancestors

• Collectors of classic Civil War scholarship

Book Details

• Title: The Life of Johnny Reb

• Subtitle: The Common Soldier of the Confederacy

• Author: Bell Irvin Wiley

• Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

• Language: English

• Subjects: American Civil War, Confederate Army, military history, social history

• Format: Used book

• Edition: Multiple editions of this work have been published; please review the product photographs for the binding, publication date, ISBN, and other details of the exact copy offered.

Used-Book Condition

This is a previously owned book and may show normal signs of age, handling, and storage. Possible wear includes rubbing, fading, creases, edge or corner wear, spine wear, age-toned pages, inscriptions, bookplates, highlighting, or underlining.

Please examine all available photographs carefully. The pictured book is the exact copy you will receive. Includes one used book.

Bell Irvin Wiley's classic social history of the everyday Confederate soldier, covering camp life, hardships, humor, and culture. Library rebinding in maroon cloth with call number label and moderate wear. Solid reading copy.