The Legend of Old Abe: A Civil War Eagle.

Text by Kathy-jo Wargin, illustrated by Laurie Caple
40 pp., 2006, (children's book). Sleeping Bear Press, 310 North Main St., Suite 300, Chelsea, MI 48118, $17.95 plus shipping.

Reviewer: Blake Magner
Blake A. Magner is the Book Review Editor of Civil War News. He makes his living as an editor, writer, cartographer and photographer of Civil War history. He is author of At Peace With Honor: The Civil War Burials of Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Review:
One day a young lad's grandfather takes him to the Wisconsin State Capital Building and shows him the stuffed eagle now known as "Old Abe." While there his grandfather relates the story of the eagle and how he served with the 8th Wisconsin.

According to the grandfather some Indians traded an eaglet to a local family for some supplies. The eaglet was well taken care of and became a part of the family, growing to near adulthood.

The year was 1861 and war had broken out with the South and the family's father, being unable to enlist, gave the eagle to a local militia group which became part of the 8th. The eagle became a part of the regiment and was proudly carried on a perch where he was hailed by soldier and officer alike.

Finally at the battle of Corinth a shot cut the eagle's tether. Rather than flying away he simply flew over the fighting armies, returning to the 8th when the battle was over. "Old Abe" served with the regiment in 37 engagements before retiring in 1864 when he became an icon with people from all walks of life, many wanting their portraits taken with him

"Old Abe" succumbed from the effects of a fire in 1881, but to this day his memory lives as a legend of the Civil War.

Though this is just one of the many different stories of the life of "Old Abe" it might pique young readers' interest, causing them to finding out the true story of this famous eagle. The Legend of Old Abe is a well-written and illustrated volume which will be of interest to young reader. I recommend it.