Local author releases book on Civil War

Stanhope — Local author, Robert Jones, has just released his second book on America’s Civil War, “Battle of Gettysburg - The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs.” His first release in 2007 (revised 2009) was “The Civil War Canteen.” That was a 71 page book with over 250 photographs, covering just about every type of canteen the Civil War soldier, (both Union and Confederate), would have used during the period of 1861 to 1865. His second book is a first of its kind. Gettysburg was the largest and costliest battle of the Civil War, and has always been one of the leading topics in Civil War books, but nothing was written about the relics and artifacts which were recovered from the battlefield, or the pieces from the early museums, or those brought back by returning veterans. This book not only covers those items, but also the souvenirs from the late 19th century, right up until today’s examples. There have been works done on battlefield recovered relics and general Civil War memorabilia, but as Jones found out through his years of continuing research, there was nothing devoted exclusively to this famous battle. The author made a point of including some of the New Jersey troops who were part of the battle of Gettysburg. The book has over 600 photographs and is entirely in color, which is a first of its kind. Most of the items are from Jones’ private collection, and many are being seen by the public for the first time. Jones is a lifelong resident of New Jersey, originally from the Passaic area. He has three grown children and three stepchildren, and now resides with his wife Mary Rose in Stanhope. He is an Army veteran, having served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Currently he is president of the 33rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, a reenacting group which represents the original unit which served with distinction during the Civil War. His books are available from him directly at Bob33rd@optonline.net or through his online business Yankee Rebel Antiques www.yankeerebelantiques.com. He will gladly personalize them upon request. The books are also obtainable through most of the major book establishments, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Abe Books.