Civil War Times Illustrated—An By Stephen Davis Bruce Catton, Virgil Carringto Jones, Edwin C. Bearss—all are Civil War authors familiar to many enthusiasts of America’s greatest conflict. They also happen to have contributed articles for Civil War Times in i earliest years. Founded in 1959, its successor, Civil War Times Illustrated (begun in April 1962) recently announced it will no longer publish a print edition bu post its content “online.” This prompted me to haul out all the boxes in which I’ve been storing this venerable magazine and to look through those old issues. It’s been an adventure—and a wellspring of delightful memories, dating from the magazine’s first couple of decades, through which I rummaged for this article. Back in high school I saved money to contact CWTI and buy as many issues as I could. Here’s Bruce Catton—yes, the Bruce Catton—writing on “Glory Road Began in the West” (July 1960): while the war was stalemated in Virginia, Grant, Sherman, and Thomas were winning it beyond the Alleghenies. In November ‘60, Francis A. Lord wrote on the changes that the rifled muske brought in infantry tactics. Toda such lore seems old-school, but back then (I was a seventhgrader), it was an eye-opener. Glenn Tucker, in “Longstreet: Culprit or Scapegoat” (April 1962), notes that “the South could never forgive Longstreet for being right” at Gettysburg. Before he turned to World War Two, Stephen Ambrose could contribute a profile of Dennis Hart Mahan, the military theorist (November 1963). The very next month’s issue (back then, CWTI came out ten times a year!) offered Bud Robertson’s piece
on the Stonewall Brigade, based on his book, which had just com out. (For us bibliophiles, this is akin to time-travel.) The Centennial, of course, sparked lots of cool material for CWTI. The special issue of August 1862 (the magazine did not publish in September) focused on Antietam. Back then, James V. Murfin was the authority on the battle; he wro on Lee’s lost orders. Another Centennial-themed issue was “Hood’s Tennessee Campaign” (December 1964), with its main text by Stanley F. Horn. The magazine was good at selecting its featured writers; Horn was author of The Decisive Battle o Nashville (1956). Similarly, wh CWTI got D. Alexander Brown to write on Grierson’s Raid (January 1965), it was landing the author of the book Grierson Raid (1954). Brown had also served as technical advisor for John Ford’s famous movie The Horse Soldiers (1959), in which John Wayne portrayed Col. John Marlowe. The film foray into Mississippi was inspired b
Grierson’s exploit. (“Inspired” a loose Hollywood term.) Civil War Times Illustrated arguably enjoyed its heyday during the Centennial, though
are hard to come by. A perusal of the magazine’s mastheads, December 1960-April 1965, shows just who was in charge of its successful production. Edit and General Manager during these years was Robert H. Fowle A native North Carolinian, Fowler earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nor Carolina (1950), and a Master’s at Columbia (1954). He started out as a reporter and assistant editor for the Greensboro (N.C. Daily News, then worked for papers in St. Petersburg, Fla. Harrisburg, Pa., before becomin founder of Civil War Times. For CWT he served as vice president and general manager 1960-69, president 1968-80, and chairman of the board 1980-88. The magazine, 1960-62, was also directed by Associate Edit Col. Wilbur S. Nye. In January 1963, Nye shifted from Associat
Editor to Managing Editor, a position he held for another several years. Nye (1898–1970) was a West Point graduate (192 and a World War II veteran. A career army officer (note the in his bylines), he is buried West Point Cemetery. In June 1961, the name of James V. Murfin began to appear in the masthead as Director of Advertising and Promotion. Murfin (19 1987) was a commercial artist who avocationally engaged in historical research and writin His Gleam of Bayonets (1965) details Antietam, and won the New York CWRT’s Fletcher Pratt Award. Even the ads are interesting 24 – American Battlefield Tru 34 – Book Reviews 20 – Central Virginia Battlef 32 – Emerging Civil War
A New York company in 1971 promoted a five-volume set reprinting war articles th run in the New York Times, and Tribune. (I wish I had that!) The following month Edward J. Stackpole wrote “The Day the Rebels Could have Marched into the Whit House,” borrowing from his Sheridan in the Shenandoah which had just come out. The first issue of Civil Times Illustrated appeared April 1962. Editor Robert Fowler explained “there is need for a magazine devote
H CWTI . . . . . . . . . . . . se 30 – The Graphic War 18 – The Unfinished Figh 26 – This And That 10 – Through The Lens
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We are thrilled to announce an exciting evolution of Civil War News! After 50 years of bringing the most compelling and comprehensive Civil War stories to our readers as a monthly newspaper, we are transitioning to a bi-monthly magazine format.
This change is not just a new chapter in our publication’s stor history; it’s a leap into making our content more engaging, enduring, and enriching for our readers, and for our esteemed advertisers. This vision has been in the works for more than a few years. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 had put a damper on it until now. The dissolution of Civil War Times and America’s Civil War magazines also makes this the perfect time to expand our horizons and publish authors looking for another media outlet for their works, stepping in wher these titles left off. into an 8-1/2" by 11" magazine, published every two months. The shift represents more than a change in appearance; it presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the realm of Civil War histo
gain access to a diverse array of Civil War stories brought to life through captivating images and clear text. Let’s explore why
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be at the forefront of discoveri uncovering aspects of the Civil War that have long been hidden or overlooked. This exclusivity isn’t a perk; it’s a journey int realms of history.
Guaranteed Pristine Quality and Privacy: Each issue will delivered in a polybag to ensure that it arrives in a condition reflecting the publication’s hig
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signifies your interest in enter into this pivotal period of American history. You’re joining a community of people who appreciate depth, quality, and staying connected t stories. Signing up for this revamped publication is not about getting a magazine; it’s diving into a
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a magazine; it opens doors to experiencing the past in an enlightening and captivating way
As we embark on this transiti it’s crucial to grasp the contex
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guiding light for history buffs, scholars, and the public, who ha been fascinated by the stories a rooted history of the American Civil War for half a century. Its dedication to delivering comprehensive and captivating content and current events has established it as a source in th Civil War community.
The new magazine layout is geared toward an audience catering to those with a passing interest in the American Civil War, scholarly historians, and everyone in between. By covering an array of subjects such as events tied to Civil War history,
detailed historical pieces from writers nationwide, insights into life at home analyses of battles and prominent figures, nuanced discussions on slavery issues, and thorough examinations of campaigns spanning from East Coast battles to operations acros the Trans-Mississippi region; the magazine aims to offer a comprehensive perspective, on the Civil War era. The recent discontinuation of two known Civil War publications has undeniably created a void in both the market and in the hearts of enthusiasts. The revitalized to fill this gap by upholding its predecessors’ legacy while bringing innovations and broader coverage to its readership. It wi continue to provide the columns and coverage of current events it is known for. With a focus on quality content and a multifacete approach to exploring aspects of the Civil War, it positions itsel as a successor and a prominent figure in Civil War reporting. The release of the April issue signals the start of the May-June
to embark on a journey with Civil War News right from its inception
As it celebrates its 50th year, t magazine both honors its history
and sets its sights on shaping th future of Civil War journalism. to a magazine format marks a milestone in its journey, showcasing a response to an evolving media landscape and a dedication to meeting its audience’s diverse needs and interests. By offering a range of content encompassing insights
and personal stories, the magazin aims to become an essential resource for anyone passionate about Civil War events, minutiae, and material culture. This
transformation pays homage to the publication’s heritage while embracing future possibilities, ensuring that the tales, teaching and impacts of the Civil War are conveyed with accuracy, depth, and intricacy.