Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the Civil War

Second only to Mathew Brady as the foremost early American photographer was Alexander Gardner. Gardner’s photographs are among the greatest war pictures ever taken during the early days of the Civil War, and are also among the most prized records of American history.

In 1866, Alexander Gardner published a very ambitious two-volume work that contained prints of some 100 photographs which he had taken in the field. Gardner worked as the chief photographer of Mathew Brady (often referred to as the father of photojournalism). The one-time manager of Brady’s Washington salon and his chief photographer in the field during the early days of the Civil War, Gardner’s list of photographs reads like a roster of great events and great men: Antietam Bridge under Travel, President Lincoln (and McClellan) at Antietam, Pinkerton and His Agents in the Field, Ruins of Richmond, Libby Prison, McLean’s House Where Lee’s Surrender Was Signed, Meade’s Headquarters at Gettysburg, Battery D, Second U.S. Artillery in Action at Fredericksburg, the Slaughter Pen at Gettysburg, and many others. This publication is now among the rarest American books and is here for the first time republished inexpensively.

Indeed, Gardner — who later photographed the War independently — often managed the famous horse-drawn photographic laboratory and took many of the pictures that used to be attributed to Brady. He accompanied the Union troops on their marches, their camps and bivouacs, their battles, and on their many hasty retreats and routs during the early days of the War.

Gardner’s photographs are among the greatest war pictures ever taken and are also among the most prized records of American history. Gardner was quite conscious of recording history and spared himself no pains or risk to achieve the finest results. His work indicates a technical mastery that now seems incredible when one bears in mind the vicissitudes of collodion applications in the field, wet plates, long exposures, long drying times, imperfect chemicals — plus enemy bullets around the photographer’s ears. It has been said of these photographs: photography today . . . is far easier, but it is no better.
SEE THE CIVIL WAR THROUGH ALEXANDER GARDNER’S EYES – This photographic sketchbook is a rare glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Gardner was on the front lines photographing everything from the aftermath of battles to Lincoln and McClellan at Antietam. AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHS – Relive the Civil War like never before with 100 breathtaking photographs. From images of the Second U.S. Artillery in Action at Fredericksburg to the Slaughter Pen at Gettysburg, this book is a must-have for any Civil War buff. BROUGHT TO YOU BY ONE OF THE KEY PLAYERS IN EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY – Alexander Gardner was the former manager of Mathew Brady’s Washington salon, and played a large role in early photography. This reprint is an affordable way to own a piece of American history. GREAT FOR CIVIL WAR BUFFS – If you’re passionate about American history, then you’ll love this amazing photographic sketchbook from the Civil War. With over 100 photographs, it’s a must-have for any collector! A RARE TREASURE FOR AMERICAN HISTORY FANS – Originally published in 1866, this book is increasingly difficult to find. Now republished at an affordable price, it’s a must-have for anyone interested in American history.