What's the difference between a forage cap and a kepi? What kind of firearms were used during the Civil War? What does the term "red tape" have to do with General Orders regarding criminal charges against soldiers? You'll find the answers to these questions and many more in the Civil War Minutes series of DVDs and videos from Inecom.

Civil War Minutes is less a documentary than a series of show-and-tell lessons. In segments of four to eight minutes, historian Michael Kraus explains various aspects of the common soldier's life, from the weapons he used to the clothing he wore. Interspersed with these artifact-laden episodes are bits in which Kraus reads from soldiers' diaries and letters. Period photographs or sketches, and sound effects such as battle noises form a backdrop to these portions, adding welcome drama to the recitations. At times, however, the sound effects are simply over-the-top, such as when mention of an amputation is accompanied by the sounds of crunching bones and a man's scream.

Kraus is eminently qualified to narrate the series. A reenactor for more than 30 years, he served as military coordinator for the film Gettysburg, and as Union commander for many of the war's 125th anniversary reenactments from 1986 to 1990. Full-bearded and dressed in authentic garb, Kraus looks every bit the Civil War officer. With the help of genuine artifacts from the period, he manages to squeeze a lot of information into the short show-and-tell segments, describing nuances of design and manufacture that are probably unknown to all but the most ardent Civil War aficionados or reenactors.

The three-hour series, divided into four 45-minute parts, is a great educational tool. Because of its episodic format, it can be enjoyed in bites to fit the appetite of the viewer. An added bonus is several interludes of period music, performed by folk musicians David Kincaid and Greg Singer. Any student or fan of the Civil War will enjoy this informative, entertaining look at the myriad aspects of the common soldier's experience.

This review was written by Brenda Wilt and originally published in Civil War Times Illustrated Magazine in February 2002.

The action never stops and the re-enactments are great. Michael Kraus,David Neville and company have put together their finest work in this production that captures the heart, bravery and boldness of a great Union officer. A nice thing to add is that this production is created by historians who care about proper clothing and following the absolute correct formats of those they are portraying. Excellent re-enactments and fighting await you in this 80 minute story about a man that defied many odds during the Civil War.