"Too Young To Die: Boy Soldiers of the Union Army 1861-1865" by Dennis M. Keesee. hc, dj. 304 pages. 213 photos. Notes, bibliography & index.

Too Young To Die

by Dennis M. Keesee

Drawing on extensive primary research, Too Young To Die brings to life hundreds of the Union Armyís most youthful soldiers in enlightening and vivid fashion. Through childsí eyes they saw the Civil War as an all-consuming adventure -an experience not to be missed even at the expense of their lives. From the first rumors of war to enlistment, training, camp life, fatiguing marches and meeting the enemy in battle, author Dennis M. Keesee blends a wide range of narratives and anecdotes written by or about Union boy soldiers with 213 photographs and illustrations. Many of these images are published here for the first time, and hauntingly illustrate a generation of youngsters that, perhaps, was unique in American History.

Too Young To Die is as moving to the heart to read as it is to view.