Description: Tens of thousands of Irish-Americans fought in the Civil War, with "Sons of Erin" playing a vital role in both Union and Confederate armies. This unique anthology contains over 100 stories of courage, boldness, and humor. Includes famous figures Patrick Cleburne, Father William Corby, James Shields, Michael Corcoran, and Thomas Francis Meagher.
Brief description: Gerard E. Mayers has been a life-long Civil War buff who credits director Ken Burns with re-igniting his interest. The New Jersey native graduated from St. John's University with degrees in both English and History. He has been active with the Bucks County Civil War Roundtable as program chairman for the organization, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of its Civil War Museum and Library in Doylestown, PA. An active reenactor, Mayers belongs to Company C, 44th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry; as a living historian, he is active in the Civil War Heritage Foundation. Mayers's maternal great-grandfather and great-granduncle were both Irish-Americans who served in New Jersey units during various periods of the Civil War.