March 13, 2006 New Civil War Book to Be Discussed on April 11

Writer and editor Margaret E. Wagner and historian Gary W. Gallagher will discuss the new book “The American Civil War: 365 Days” at the Library of Congress at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

A book signing will follow the presentation, which is part of the Books & Beyond author series sponsored by the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. The program is co-sponsored by the Library’s Publishing Office, which published the volume in association with Harry N. Abrams Inc.

Written by Wagner with an introduction by Civil War historian Gallagher, “The American Civil War: 365 Days,” draws on the Library’s incomparable collections to present a unique perspective on the conflict. Illustrated with more than 500 images, 253 in full color, the book features Mathew Brady’s iconic photographs and other photos that heavily influenced public perceptions of the struggle, as well as lithographs, woodcuts and battlefield drawings. It also includes political cartoons and music covers; recruitment, political and theatrical posters; an image of the contents of Lincoln’s pockets on the night he was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre; illustrated letters; and Lincoln’s handwritten Gettysburg Address.

Wagner is a senior writer and editor in the Publishing Office of the Library of Congress and the co-author and co-editor of “The Library of Congress Civil War Desk Reference” (2002).

Gallagher, author of “The Confederate War” and other Civil War books, is the John L. Nau III Professor of History at the University of Virginia.

Established in 1977 as a public-private partnership, the Center for the Book uses the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books, reading and libraries. For information about its events and activities, visit: www.loc.gov/cfbook.