Hardtack Books

all things civil war.

Our Mission Statement 

Hardtack Books specializes in republishing timeless Civil War narratives. Our goal is to make these captivating stories more accessible and appealing to today's history enthusiasts at a moderate cost. By using modern styles in typography, graphics, and design, we bring to the twenty-first century these firsthand accounts that shed light on both wartime experiences and the lives of those on the home front during the critical years of the Civil War.
At Hardtack Books, we are dedicated to preserving the firsthand accounts of enlisted men, newspaper correspondents, and war leaders. Our mission is to bring these original sources, including memoirs, correspondence, and newspaper articles, together in contemporary publications. 

Meet the Publisher

Welcome, and thanks for taking the time to check out our site. I’m Jeffrey Biggs, the founder, editor, graphic designer, and web developer of Hardtack Books.  I am an unapologetic lifelong native of the First State, sometimes known here as Delaware. My roots trace back some three hundred years or so, so I don’t imagine I am leaving anytime soon. 
As with many of us fortunate enough to be raised within easy driving distance of many Civil War battlefields, I caught the fever early in life and never lost interest in its study. A few years ago, I completed a regimental history of one of the unluckiest regiments in the Army of the Potomac: They Fought for the Union: A History of the First Delaware Volunteers in the Army of the Potomac.  You can find articles I wrote in Gettysburg Magazine in the January 2016 edition (“Show Them Your Colors! The 1st Delaware Volunteers and the Gettysburg Campaign) and the January 2022 edition (“They Would Kill Me for Sure: The Wild Ride of James Parke Postles”).
 
Hardtack Books is my way of preserving the legacy of the Civil War for future generations, by giving old books a new and modern life.
Hardtack Books is named as a tribute to all those brave Americans who have faced untold challenges with unwavering determination and perseverance. Despite the obstacles encountered, they emerged victorious through sheer grit and resilience. As we navigate the complexities of our time, let us draw inspiration from the struggle and forge ahead with the same unwavering determination.