The 96th Pennsylvania Volunteers infantry regiment was formed in 1861-its ranks filled by nearly 1,200 Irish and German immigrants from Schuylkill County responding to Lincoln's call for troops. The men saw action for three years with the Army of the Potomac's VI Corps, participating in engagements at Gaines' Mill, Crampton's Gap, Salem Church and Spotsylvania. Drawing on letters, diaries, memoirs and other accounts, this comprehensive history documents their combat service from the point of view of the rank-and-file soldier, along with their views on the war, slavery, emancipation and politics.

The Holzs and Wards are among the millions of little-known families whose hopes and dreams, inventiveness, work ethic and perseverance were transplanted from the rigidity of European culture to root in the opportunity of American soil. The cultural, culinary, social and industrial histories of the United States are found in the stories of these two families. Their origins, though obscure and humble, provided the drive to create better lives for themselves and their children. America''s greatness was born and continues through the experiences of families such as these. The stories told in Kitchen Table Tales engage and captivate. Through them readers will recognize the richness of their own families' contributions to America's promise and appetite.