This study of popular culture during The Civil War and Reconstruction examines the lives of everyday Americans young and old, soldier and civilian, Northern and Southern and how they coped with the difficulties of the period. Browne (popular culture, Bowling Green State U.) and Kreiser (an independent scholar) cover many of the thriving trends of the eras, including professional baseball teams, minstrel shows, patriotic hymns, illustrated newspapers, and dime novels. Their study also touches on the more mundane aspects of daily life including food, clothing, and architecture. The book may appeal to general readers interested in history. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)