A book focusing on the reportage of opposing Northern and Southern newspapers during the American Civil War has received a glowing review from "The Midwest Book Review" in its July posting of "Library Bookwatch," citing it as "a unique and seminal contribution to the American Civil War literature."
"The Words of War" by Donagh Bracken focuses on the reportage of eighteen battles by The "New York Times" and "The Charleston Mercury" placed in juxtaposition. Following each newspaper's coverage of the same battle is a summary by the modern historians as to what actually happened.
"The purpose was to show that political belief often alters the view of reality," says author Donagh Bracken. "It is a very human thing. During the Civil War there was great jingoism and emotion and hope was often mixed with reality. Today, in a less emotional environment, it is called media bias and that too, is a natural thing. Simply put, it is only a reflection of how people think. Historically, newspapers have been that way since the first days of the Republic. It is a fascinating fact."
The reviewer too, uses the word "fascinating" in the summation. "The Words of War is "…an inherently fascinating, impressively informative, enthusiastically recommended contribution to personal, academic, and community Civil War Studies reference collection and supplemental reading lists."
Donagh Bracken,
is a writer of long standing, having written extensively for major newspapers and magazines for thirty years on subjects ranging from world history through economics. His contribution to the American Civil War was the landmark project entitled The American Civil War Historyscope Series, a computer-generated visualization of the findings of the Civil War Sites Preservation Commission. The Historyscope Series was designed for classroom study.
He is a graduate of Manhattan College and lives in Palisades, New York
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The Words Of War takes a look at the American Civil War, but Don Bracken does it in a unique way. Instead of adding his own slant, he shows us the slant that the popular press of the day used. 18 major and pivitol events are explored in The Words Of War, Don offers a brief introduction to each one, to set the scene, he then includes actual newspaper articles (including their typos, and archaic language) from both the northern New York Times and the southern Charleston Mercury. Each event is then concluded with the official’ historical view.
This is fascinating reading to say the least. What is trumpeted as a major victory by one side, is downplayed as a minor skirmish by the other. In fact, more than once I was not sure that they were even talking about the same event! When you add to this the official’ history, you get a very murky picture indeed. My favorite quote from the book has to be:
“It was a new time for the American press. Standards for war coverage were far from set, and each one reporting the war took what liberties he felt might not only get the job done but help his side as well”
From Sumpter to Appomattox, Don Bracken has brought to life the events of this deciding period in American history.
The War Of Words certainly got me thinking about other historical events, and just how much of what is taught in our schools is factual, and how much has been modified over time to meet our expectations. Even if history is not your thing, this is a book that you should read. It will give you pause for thought. The next time you read your local newspaper, or watch CNN, remember what Ella Fitzgerald said in that old advert Is it real, or is it Memorex?’
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