I began the book with enthusiasm, but couldn’t wait to finish. The author brought many civil war photographs to light, and I appreciate that. But her pronouncements seem to often be opinion, nowhere nearly factual. It gives a new meaning to the title. For example, her decision that people wanted to be remembered as “solemn,” therefore not smiling in the photographs.

First of all, they were instructed not to smile because of the very slow shutter speeds. Secondly, as with everything else in this world, one tried hard to follow the proper protocol.

I was pretty disappointed. ( )

WMQG# B-1177