Book cover of The Civil War in 50 Objects

Book description

The American companion to A History of the World in 100 Objects, a fresh, visual perspective on the Civil War

From a soldier's diary with the pencil still attached to John Brown's pike, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the leaves from Abraham Lincoln's bier, here is a unique and surprisingly intimate…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Civil War in 50 Objects as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

From a heartrending photograph of “Slave Shackles Intended for a Child” to Abraham Lincoln’s signature on a congressional resolution for the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery—and 48 other objects in between...

This book provides a fascinating, wide-ranging portrait of the Civil War that reminds readers how Lincoln managed to abolish slavery while also preserving the Union, something not many American politicians thought possible when he was first elected President.

If you love The Civil War in 50 Objects...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The Civil War in 50 Objects?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Civil War in 50 Objects.

Browse books like The Civil War in 50 Objects

Book cover of Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
Book cover of Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America
Book cover of Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews With Former Slaves

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Civil War in 50 Objects, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!