The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce publication of "The Prairie was on Fire: Eyewitness Accounts of the Civil War in the Indian Territory" by Whit Edwards (OHS Director of Education and Programs). Whit's "introduction" to the book, summarizing the conflict not only in terms of actions, skirmishes, and engagements, but also in terms of "why" is worth the purchase price. But this is followed by 132 pages quoting soldiers' letters, diaries, and after-action reports, as well as an extensive bibliography. The appendix lists 107 encounters between hostile forces during the years 1861-1865, eighteen of which are not contained in the Official Records!!

The book will be available at the book store operated by the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield during and after the annual Memorial Service on July 20. However, for those who cannot wait (and you probably shouldn't) it's now available at the Oklahoma Museum of History's Book Store at 2100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4997 (phone 405-521-2491).

NOTE: Members of the Oklahoma Historical Society get a 10% discount on all book store purchases, as well as the monthly newsletter "Mistletoe Leaves", and the quarterly journal "Chronicles of Oklahoma".