Fiction:
* "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852): Though published earlier, its impact continued throughout the decade and fueled the abolitionist movement.
* "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850): A powerful and complex story of sin, guilt, and redemption that explored themes relevant to the social and religious anxieties of the time.
* "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott (1868): This coming-of-age story about four sisters resonated with readers for its portrayal of family life and the challenges faced by women.
* "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain (1876): Though published later, this classic tale of childhood adventure and mischief began to be written in the 1860s and was heavily influenced by the social and political climate of the era.
* "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins (1868): A pioneering work of detective fiction that helped popularize the genre.
Non-fiction:
* "The Life and Adventures of Nathaniel P. Banks" by John S. C. Abbott (1860): A biography of a prominent Union general and politician, reflecting the nation's fascination with its wartime heroes.
* "The History of the United States" by George Bancroft (1834-1874): This multi-volume work, which continued to be published throughout the 1860s, provided a comprehensive account of American history and was widely read.
* "The Atlantic Monthly": This popular magazine published a wide range of essays, fiction, and poetry that reflected the intellectual and cultural currents of the day.
* "Harper's Weekly": This illustrated news magazine provided detailed coverage of the Civil War and other important events of the decade.
Other Notable Books:
* "The Poems of Edgar Allan Poe" (1864): A collection of the poet's work, which became increasingly popular after his death in 1849.
* "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare" (various editions): The works of Shakespeare remained popular and influential during the 1860s, as they continue to be today.
This is just a small sample of the many books that were popular in the 1860s. The decade was a time of great literary output, with authors addressing the major social and political issues of the day.