Best Civil War Books of All Time (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

The Civil War Monitor asked three professors of history their opinion on the topic in a variety of areas.

Here are their selections, The Best Civil War Books of All Time.

I expect all will have different thoughts on the matter but of the books on the list, my favorites are Battle Cry of Freedom, David Potter's The Impending Crisis (one of the best books I've ever read, not just Civil War), Race and Reunion, The Fiery Trial and Reconstruction.

 

[Terp152]

The Civil War Monitor asked three professors of history their opinion on the topic in a variety of areas.

Here are their selections, The Best Civil War Books of All Time.

I expect all will have different thoughts on the matter but of the books on the list, my favorites are Battle Cry of Freedom, David Potter's The Impending Crisis (one of the best books I've ever read, not just Civil War), Race and Reunion, The Fiery Trial and Reconstruction.

Almost surprised to see some classics in the lists such as Lee's Lieutenants, Company Aytch, Stillness at Appomattox. But I am shocked that we have a same favorite Brad, Battle Cry of Freedom. ^&grin I found the first 3rd of the book regarding the pre-war politics and socio-economic issues fascinating. Reading the Kansas - Nebraska Act, Missouri Compromise, etc, interesting as it re=kindled long forgotten history. The war account, ie battles and campaigns, I found to be superficial. Hard to accurately relate 4 yrs of war in less than a volume of study to be worth while. May give the Potter book a try. You do know your history books. :wink2: Chris

 

[jazzeum]

Thanks Chris. I'm sure we agree on more things than not.

I probably have about 120 or so books relating to Civil War topics and the ones I mentioned are in what I call my essentials shelf. Not on those lists but on my essentials list are Nevins' Ordeal of the Union, Donald's Lincoln, Ronald White's Lincoln, Team of Rivals, Lincoln's writings and Lincoln's Sword by Douglas Wilson (a book I really love).

Brad

 

[Terp152]

Thanks Chris. I'm sure we agree on more things than not.

I probably have about 120 or so books relating to Civil War topics and the ones I mentioned are in what I call my essentials shelf. Not on those lists but on my essentials list are Nevins' Ordeal of the Union, Donald's Lincoln, Ronald White's Lincoln, Team of Rivals, Lincoln's writings and Lincoln's Sword by Douglas Wilson (a book I really love).

Brad

Team of Rivals is very good, as is her follow up, Roosevelt and the Bully Pulpit. I intend to start SHSP next yr after my second and final retirement. :smile2: Chris

 

[Terp152]

Half way thru D Potter's Impending Crisis and very enjoyable. Was afraid it be a rehash of Battle Cry of Freedom, but it's much more. Did not realize it received a Pulitzer prize. Chris

 

[jazzeum]

I'm glad you're enjoying it Chris. Potter, unfortunately, died before the book was completed and it was completed by Don Fehrenbacher, also another superb writer.

Another book that I recommend by Potter is Lincoln and His Party in the Succession Crisis.

Speaking of Fehrenbacher, a book that I have read a couple of times and I think is wonderful is Prelude to Greatness:Lincoln in the 1850s. It's not very long (only about 200 pages) but full of insightful analysis.