An excellent discussion on how the bugle call "Taps" was developed and by whom. I have a personal stake in correcting the stories of the origin of Taps, as I spent way too much money to duplicate the uniform and accouterments worn by the original bugler, after he became an officer. I wear this uniform to living history events to teach people the correct origin of the call.
Fortunately, the book also discusses the many made-up 'stories,' related for far too long, about the bugle call's origin. As a Civil War living historian, I encountered these tales at numerous events and often heard them repeated in the media. I once even heard one such story discussed as 'history' on National Public Radio and have often seen it in print.
The book then progresses on to stories as to how the bugle call affected people from all walks of life during its history.
Fortunately, the book also discusses the many made-up 'stories,' related for far too long, about the bugle call's origin. As a Civil War living historian, I encountered these tales at numerous events and often heard them repeated in the media. I once even heard one such story discussed as 'history' on National Public Radio and have often seen it in print.
The book then progresses on to stories as to how the bugle call affected people from all walks of life during its history.
