Ghosts and Haunts of the Civil War: Authentic Accounts of the Strange and Unexplained

The author must have visited most or all of the places listed in the back of the book, and found other sources of information to fill it out. I liked it so much I ordered a second copy. Considering the dreams and visions by Abraham Lincoln of his own tragic death, who, had he lived, would have been the best leader of the post-Civil War restoration of the American union, gives pause as to whether or not we humans do or do not have free will.

You don't have to be schizotypal to enjoy this book. It's divided up into a series of stories based on factual events that transpired during the war. The paranormal phenomena are presented objectively (not an in your face, you should believe in ghosts sort of take). I enjoyed the historical content as much or more than the tales of specters in blue and grey. The most moving thing about these stories is the sheer horror surrounding the war. Coleman recounts infamous acts of barbasism between fellow countrymen. Cold-blooded murder, thievery, arsen, etc. were the acts that fueled the development of many of the ghost stories of the civil war. I think the war sticks with the psychic thread of American society. Never before or since have so many Americans perished in a conflict. It was a treacherous time for the states, and I believe that our empathy for those living at the time is in part responsible for the ghost stories and sightings that pervade our culture. It's a way of identifying with the countless individuals who suffered secondary to the barbaric acts committed by both sides. The stories in this book are not about believing in ghosts persay, they represent the human condition. They are an imprint that stains American culture-what's left of the blood lost by so many. I don't necessarily believe in the supernatural, but I very much enjoyed the intensely emotional stories about individuals or small groups of people who suffered during america's darkest hour. The books contains appendices with lists of tourist attractions known for their haunts. Also, a list of hotels harboring haunts of the war is given. I plan to carry this book in the car on road trips as to not miss the opportunity to visit a hotel, battlefield, house or tavern tainted with the spiritual remains of the war.

Where would we be without a great ghost story? For anyone who loves the Civil War and a good ghost story, I can't think of a better book to sit down and read. From various battlefields to war ravaged towns stories over the years have come to fold and placed in this unique book. There are individual stories that allow you skip, go back or jump from chapter to chapter. The stories about haunts in Gettysburg and Vicksburg were exciting to read. I found this book entertaining to read and was intrigued by the stories!

The fact that this book claims to contain "authentic" accounts of cival war ghost stories is what attracted me to read it before choosing any other titles on the subject. I was disappointed that the author does very little in the way of explaining how he came to the conclusion that these accounts are indeed authentic. However, whether authentic or not, the book makes for good reading. I couldn't put it down! And for anyone interested, the book contains an appendix in the back with listings of places offering Cival War Ghost tours as well as Haunted Hotels, complete with addresses and phone numbers.

This book is a beautifully written blend of history and the supernatural. Being a history buff I was impressed by Mr. Coleman's diverse knowlege of the subject. This book explores the mysterious aspects of Civil War history that to this day have yet to be explained. I read the book cover to cover in one weekend. I just couldn't put it down. Mr.Coleman's unique style introduces the evidence, presents possible explanations, and ultimately allows the reader to draw their own conclusions. This book is one incredible find.