Songs of the Civil War

Based on three years of intensive research, this book contains 125 of the most popular songs of the Civil War--songs of victory and defeat, sorrow and laughter, heroism and homesickness. Each song is presented in an appropriate piano setting in addition to guitar chords for the folk singer and guitarist. The editor also offers a detailed account of the song's history, notes on the composer, a description of the circumstances under which it was written, and comments on the historical and social context of the song. Included in the book are all the best-known "Yank" and "Rebel" tunes, including: "John Brown's Body," "Battle Cry of Freedom," "Dixie," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," "Bonnie Blue Flag," "Tenting Tonight," "Just Before the Battle," "Goober Peas," and many others. The dramatic story of the Civil War music will fascinate the general reader. At the same time, scholars will find complete documentation of all sources and references. --Dust jacket.