The Civil War (American Heritage Books)

Book Review Number Five: year 2017The Civil War...soft cover edition.I’ve read all the big ones: The Battle Cry of Freedom, Grant’s Memoirs, A Stillness at Appomattox, This Hallowed Ground, Lee’s Lieutenants (abridged), Lee (abridged), Grant Takes Command and others. And then I read this relatively thin book, and quite frankly, I wish I had started here and went no further, because it’s basically all here. It would have been enough for me. Key events are mentioned, though none in great detail; but the author’s craft is so astoundingly skillful that he coveys a great deal of thought in a mere paragraph or two. If a reader wants more on a particular battle or military campaign, the battle of Gettysburg for instance, then by all means delve into alternate volumes giving full treatment. Otherwise, this book will give all the essentials that one needs to feel well-rounded in this most important time in American history. In fact, I was surprised at how much was in this compact book. Especially notable are the non-fighting chapters interspersed throughout the fightin’ pages, addressing topics such as the economies of the north and south, the inner conflicts within the Union and Confederate cabinets (Davis would break rather than bend; Lincoln could bend and never broke), and how the necessities of war accelerated the full force of industry in the northern states by a generation.The construction of the book is very sound. The pages are heavy paper, the ink bold, the photographs clear (and there are a lot of them), the maps (all relegated to the back of the book) are very clear and complete. The actual written text ends at page 278, followed by a chronology of the war, then a section on the leading participants, and finally onto the maps.

This is a highly readable narrative history of the Civil War. Catton has written many books on the war and this book is a simple, straightforward account. I highly recommend this to people who are just beginning to learn about the war, or to teenagers. I use this book for students to read in a Civil War history class and they really enjoy reading it.The book is very limited on pre-war events and says nothing about Reconstruction, but it does explain the many different aspects of the war. Battles are given good coverage (even some minor ones) but are not overdone as to become dull and overly detailed. Catton gives attention to diplomatic affairs, the home front, economics, emancipation, and many other topics.Those already familiar with the Civil War will find nothing new here, but this is the best quick overview of the war I have found yet.

It gave an interesting overview of the Civil War. I liked the timeline of events at the back of the book.

Carton is a terrific writer. This book is good for anyone that is just starting to read about the Civil War. If you have already read other books and done research it is still an enjoyable read but it doesn’t dive too deeply into anything.

i've read countless books on the civil war era of american history, and bruce catton is simply the best. he comes up with some little known facts that literally no other author, (that i've read), ever has. mr.catton's writing style is distinctly in the way of a novelist, which makes all of his books, a better, more understandable read than most contemporary authors, writing about the same subject matter. i also highly recommend his trilogy on the army of the Potomac, as an introduction to the civil war for anyone who even has a casual interest and would like to know more.

This book was advertised as good-very good condition. However, I don’t think the book had beef used AT ALL because the spine had not been broken. Will definitely buy from again. Thanks for the excellent service!

Nicely written and historically accurate. Not quite as entertaining as something by Shaara

I enjoyed reading this book. I heard about it in reviews for other books and that piqued my interest. It spends more time on the sociopolitical aspects of the war than it does on the actual movement of troops providing an interesting viewpoint that had not really been addressed in other Civil War books. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in Civil War history.