My Days and Nights on the Battle-Field

"My Days and Nights on the Battle-Field" by Charles Carleton Coffin is a historical narrative that recounts one man's experiences during the American Civil War. Written to educate young readers, the book explores the causes and events that led to secession and war, with the goal of helping them to understand the struggles and sacrifices that had been made to preserve the Union. The story begins with the author connecting the battles of the Civil War, to his grandfather's tales from the American Revolution. Then it addresses the underlying tensions, like social class divisions and growth of slavery that divided the nation. The first section sets the stage for the battles and personal stories that will follow, providing a vital introduction to the complex conflict.