Causes Won, Lost, and Forgotten

“Gallagher, one of our finest historians of the Civil War, brings an abundance of sharp insights to this thoughtful analysis. By drawing attention to four principal traditions of interpretation in cinema and art, he demonstrates how popular culture both reflects and shapes our understanding of the war’s meaning.” — American Historical Review

“In-depth, analytical, and thought-provoking. . . . An important, must read for students of the Civil War.” — Journal of American History

“A solidly researched and intriguing exploration of the influence of popular culture on public understanding of the war. Anyone interested in the Civil War and the impact of media on historical understanding will find Gallagher’s latest book rewarding on many levels.” — Civil War Times

“[A] highly entertaining analysis of how the Civil War has been treated in popular culture.” — The Boston Globe

“Provides insight into how the war is viewed in contemporary American culture. . . . The four interpretive frameworks Gallagher uses for his analysis are instructive for understanding the dominant trends in art and film.” — Southern Historian

“A short and very readable book that should appeal to anyone with more than a passing interest in the Civil War.” — On Point

“Highly recommended.” — CHOICE

“A highly informative, well-illustrated, and wonderfully entertaining book.” — The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

“Innovative in its approach, provocative in its arguments, and fundamentally interesting, but, most significantly . . . will drive further discussion of Civil War memory through popular culture.” — West Virginia History

“A welcome addition to the burgeoning literature on the Civil War in popular culture, and it makes for a breezy and edifying read for the scholar and layperson alike.” — North Carolina Historical Review