Presented in this lot is "Campfire Chats of the Civil War" by Washington Davis, 1888, Cincinnati Publishing Co. "Camp-Fire Chats of the Civil War: Being the Incident, Adventure and Wayside Exploit of the Bivouac and Battle Field, as Related by Members of the Grand Army of the Republic; Embracing the Tragedy, Romance, Comedy, Humor and Pathos in the Varied Experiences of Army Life". From 1866, the Union veterans of the Civil War met to recount memories and rekindle battlefield friendships as the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1884, this hilarious, poignant, and generally irreverent collection of their campside stories was compiled. Calling themselves the Society for the Preservation of Unpublished History (S.P.U.H), the veterans set down the horror and hilarity that they experienced nearly two decades before as young men. The result is a very special treat of Civil War literature and a lively addition to the canon of books about America's most divisive conflict. Washington Davis published ‘Campfire Chats of the Civil War’ in hopes of “preserving a few points of history, and some features of army life not before delineated.” (preface). Davis recognized that many of the memories of veterans were perishing and wanted to better the young readers of Civil War history. This red cloth bound gold gilt illustrated stamped hardcover is in nice condition, gold gilt is still bright, scuffing and fading noted on covers. Intact marbled top, bottom and fore edge pages exhibit age tanning and slight foxing throughout. Measures 5.5"W x 7.75"L x 1.5"D, weight 1lb, 1oz.