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A few months ago, fellow member of the AC, Mr. Jon Bocek made a great point about how we all strive for having the most authentic impression from a material aspect and that we should also remember to focus on our knowledge of the 19th century pop culture. He made this point by recommending a popular novel of the period Les Miserables. While I admit to having never read this book, I have read other period literature such as the House of Seven Gables, and various stories written by Washington Irving. However one book in particular that I believe can enhance everyone’s knowledge of pop culture is titled, A Cultural Encyclopedia of 1850’s in America.
As stated in the title, this book covers an entire decade leading up to the outbreak of the war. Why is this important to us? Every soldier and civilian had lives prior to the war. The events that took place the decade before the commencement of hostilities helped form the beliefs and opinions of the people that we portray. So this book helps you to understand the events that an entire generation of people read about or experienced firsthand. It will also help you develop a better first person persona and ultimately create a better impression. Although it can be a rather pricy purchase, I would encourage any serious re-enactor/living historian to add it to their personal library.
The following description was taken from an online book company.
“The 1850s were a particularly fruitful and eventful period in American history, a time of unrest and preparation for change. This reference work provides a thorough record of the cultural happenings in America during that period. The volume is divided into several sections. It begins with a chronology that presents the events of the 1850s in capsule form year by year. A list of entries follows. The encyclopedia that comes after the list of entries contains brief, alphabetically arranged articles for performers, military personnel, theologians, composers, critics, educators, explorers, historians, industrialists, inventors, authors, artists, physicians, scientists, sculptors, and numerous events and creative works. A bibliography, divided into topical sections, directs the reader to the best sources of additional information. An appendix lists the biographical entries according to professional categories, and a detailed index adds to the usefulness of the volume.”
As stated in the title, this book covers an entire decade leading up to the outbreak of the war. Why is this important to us? Every soldier and civilian had lives prior to the war. The events that took place the decade before the commencement of hostilities helped form the beliefs and opinions of the people that we portray. So this book helps you to understand the events that an entire generation of people read about or experienced firsthand. It will also help you develop a better first person persona and ultimately create a better impression. Although it can be a rather pricy purchase, I would encourage any serious re-enactor/living historian to add it to their personal library.
The following description was taken from an online book company.
“The 1850s were a particularly fruitful and eventful period in American history, a time of unrest and preparation for change. This reference work provides a thorough record of the cultural happenings in America during that period. The volume is divided into several sections. It begins with a chronology that presents the events of the 1850s in capsule form year by year. A list of entries follows. The encyclopedia that comes after the list of entries contains brief, alphabetically arranged articles for performers, military personnel, theologians, composers, critics, educators, explorers, historians, industrialists, inventors, authors, artists, physicians, scientists, sculptors, and numerous events and creative works. A bibliography, divided into topical sections, directs the reader to the best sources of additional information. An appendix lists the biographical entries according to professional categories, and a detailed index adds to the usefulness of the volume.”