Short answers, pulled from the story.
Harper & Brothers released the volume in 1866, one year after the American Civil War ended. The book carried a dedication to three hundred thousand men who fell under the flag of their fathers during that conflict.
By 1868, the publisher had sold just four hundred eighty-six copies of the book. This sales figure recovered barely half of the costs required to print and distribute the work.
The first sequence holds fifty-two poems that portray the history of the war from John Brown's hanging to the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. These poems utilize a wide variety of poetic forms and meters throughout the volume.
Critics at the time were often sharply critical of Melville's unorthodox style while remaining respectful of his reputation. Richard Henry Stoddard argued that rhythm found in traditional poetry acted as a hindrance to Melville's vigorous thought.
Critical opinion on Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War did not change until the latter half of the 20th century when scholars began re-evaluating it. Lawrence Buell writes that next to Walt Whitman, Melville wrote the best series of Civil War lyrics available.