Posted on 10/07/2001 9:23:37 AM PDT by fnord
Hi there. I am going to buy a few Civil War books to get me through the winter. Given the wealth of knowledge here on FR, I am sure some FReepers can give me their recommendations.
I already have Killer Angels and Stillness at Appomatox. Looking for general overall history books and also ones of more specific scope (campaigns, individuals, etc).
Any suggestion would be most appreciated :-)
I have never read Mary Boykin Chesnut's diary; just never got around to it.
I do think that *some* slaves were "happy and loyal" but that they were a definite minority.
I understand Chesnut's plantation "Mulberry" is still standing and is an interesting tourist destination, as is the Museum of the Confederacy.
Since they are both within close driving distance for me (Camden SC and Richmond, respectively), I plan to visit them next summer.
There are so many other books on the War Between the States I need to check out, but haven't had as much time since my daughter was born.
I am just getting back into it in the last couple of months.
If you are interested in other books on American history, an excellent non-War related book I just finished was
Roanoke: Solving The Mystery of the Lost Colony, by Lee Miller.
I live in NC and vacation near Roanoke Island every year.
I've read many books on the "Lost Colony" story, and Miller has come closer than anyone in determining what happened to them.
Probably closer than anyone ever will, unless their remains are ever found, which is doubtful.
Thanks again for sharing that with me!
FRegards,
CD
1.) "Mathew Brady's Illustrated History of the Civil War", Benson J. Lossing, LLD, Fairfax Press, NY, with 737 Brady Photographs.
Originally published in 1889, reissued ~1987. Extremely useful introduction and epilogue. Enormous amount of detail, fascinating photographs - including a Cherokee Confederate Veteran's Reunion. On the down side, the narrative drifts, lose ends are seldom wrapped up. The weakest part is the hagiography of Lincoln and demonization of the rebels. The tone implies that Lincoln's saintliness and the South's wickedness are presupposed. Reflects the political climate and self-rightness of the triumphant North at that time.
2.) Ambrose Bierce's Civil War (anthology). Dover Books. Priceless. A personal and idiosyncratic view of the war by a Union Officer who later became a famous American wit and newspaper writer. Bierce's disaffection and cynicism were shared by more thoughtful Union veterans than one reading Benson J. Lossing, LLD might be inclined to believe. Mostly biographical, some fiction, the two are never confused. There is more truth in fiction, often, than in history. "The Incident at Owl's Creek" is especially haunting. "What I Saw at Shiloh" tells you what it was like to fight at Shiloh better than Bruce Catton can ever know.
it'll take ya awhile, but worth it ...
That is a good book, and there's also Grant and Lee By Major General JC Fuller. Differs from the Smith book as being more of a study of the generalship of the two commanders. Fuller tells us how he started the book convinced that Lee was the greatest general of the civil war, and Jackson was a close second. He ended it believing that Grant was not only the greatest general of the civil war...he was one of the greatest US military leaders of all time.
And don't laugh: "Gone with the Wind." Still the most accurate portrayal of the home front at the time of the Civil War.
There's a novel that was written at the time which bears comparision to GWTW : Miss Ravenel's Conversion from Secession to Loyalty by J W DeForest, a Union veteran. The book deals with a southern belle's conversion, obviously, and the concommitant threeway romance between her and two rival Union officers. DeForest is considered an early "realist" writer, but while a talented writer, his works were not popular with contemporaries. They prefered more sentimental books, and his output was small. Both factors have prevented him from receiving the recognition to which his talent entitles him.
He wants to see Gettysburg ; I want to see Shiloh and Vicksburg.
Co. Aytch by Sam Watkins is very interesting. Somebody ought to make a movie of Sam's story. Kind of a Southern "Red Badge of Courage" only better, IMO.
The Stars in Their Courses by Shelby. Get the audio tape, Foote reads it himself. With his voice and accent, you could almost think Foote was on Gen. Lee's staff and made the recording just after Gettysburg. Awsome.
Stick to the major historical authors for well written histories of specific battles.
Although many books have been written looking at the same battle, different authors will have different styles and explain certain aspects better than another author.
If preservation is important to you, it's the most rewarding activity you can do.
;-(
"Gods and Generals" is a good book, but reads too much like a romance novel in parts.
His characterization of Gen. Jackson--complete with scenes showing his "softer" side--seems artificial. Maybe it's just me, I don't know.
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