In the annals of American history, the Civil War stands as a pivotal conflict that reshaped the nation's destiny. Its profound impact continues to resonate today, inspiring an array of captivating books and authors who delve into the intricacies of this transformative era. From historical accounts that meticulously chronicle the battles and strategies to poignant memoirs that offer firsthand perspectives of soldiers and civilians, the literary landscape of Civil War literature is vast and multifaceted. These works provide valuable insights into the motivations, sacrifices, and consequences of a struggle that tested the very foundation of the United States.

The Civil War: A Narrative

9.6
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The Civil War: A Narrative - 3 Volume Box Set is the perfect gift for any Civil War buff. This comprehensive history includes three compelling volumes: Fort Sumter to Perryville, Fredericksburg to Mer...

Civil War On Sunday (Magic Tree House #21)

9.6
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Civil War On Sunday is the 21st installment of the Magic Tree House series, an award-winning chapter book series for children. This book follows Jack and Annie as they are transported back to the time...

The Civil War: The Third Year Told by Those Who Lived It (LOA #234) (Library of America: The Civil War...

9.4
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The Civil War: The Third Year Told by Those Who Lived It (LOA #234) (Library of America: The Civil War Collection) is an essential volume for anyone interested in the Civil War. This third volume of t...he ground-breaking eyewitness narrative that has been called a “masterpiece” traces events from January 1863 to March 1864—a crucial period in the American Civil War. Spanning the crucial months from January 1863 to March 1864, this third volume of The Library of America’s highly acclaimed four volume series presents an incomparable portrait of a nation at war with itself while illuminating the military and political events that brought the Union closer to victory and slavery closer to destruction. The book brings together more than 140 contemporary letters, diary entries, speeches, articles, messages, and poems by more than eighty participants and observers, among them Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, Robert E. Lee, Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman, Herman Melville, Mary Chesnut, Clement Vallandigham, Henry Adams, Charlotte Forten, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, and George Templeton Strong, as well as Union officers Robert Gould Shaw, Charles B. Haydon, and Henry Livermore Abbott; Confederate diarists Catherine Edmondston, Kate Stone, and Judith McGuire; and Alabama soldier Samuel Pickens, Iowa housewife Catharine Peirce, Kentucky preacher George Richard Browder, and Kansas clergyman Richard Cordley. The selections include vivid and haunting eyewitness narratives of some of the war’s most famous battles—Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Fort Wagner, Chickamauga, Chattanooga—as well as firsthand accounts of the merciless guerrilla war in Missouri and Kansas; the Richmond bread riot and the New York draft riots; the controversies surrounding the use of black soldiers and the Lincoln administration’s curtailment of civil liberties; and the struggles of civilians both black and white to survive increasingly harsh wartime conditions. Each volume features a detailed chronology of events, biographical notes about the writers, textual and explanatory notes, and original hand-drawn endpaper maps by expert Civil War cartographer Earl McElfresh. This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the Civil War and the people who lived through it.

Civil War Short Stories and Poems (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)

9.4
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The Civil War Short Stories and Poems (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories) anthology is a must-have for anyone interested in the American Civil War. Compiled by an expert in the literature of the er...

The Black Civil War Soldier: A Visual History of Conflict and Citizenship (NYU Series in Social and Cultural...

9.4
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The Black Civil War Soldier: A Visual History of Conflict and Citizenship (NYU Series in Social and Cultural Analysis) is a stunning collection of stoic portraits and intimate ephemera from the lives ...

The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War (Civil War Trilogy)

9.4
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The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War (Civil War Trilogy) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece by Michael Shaara. This classic novel tells the story of the four most bloody and cour...

In His Eyes: A Christian historical romance

9.2
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In His Eyes: A Christian historical romance is a captivating story of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Ella Whitaker is a Scottish immigrant who is desperate to find a ho...

A Short History of the Civil War

9.2
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A Short History of the Civil War, by James L. Stokesbury, is a comprehensive, one-volume account of the war that redefined the nation. This book is being republished in commemoration of the 150th anni...

The U.S. Civil War: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

9
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The U.S. Civil War: A Very Short Introduction is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the causes and effects of this momentous conflict. Written by Louis P. Masur, this book offers...

The Aftermath of Battle: The Burial of the Civil War Dead (Emerging Civil War Series)

9
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The Aftermath of Battle: The Burial of the Civil War Dead (Emerging Civil War Series) is a compelling overview of the stories of what happened after the shooting stopped and the process of burying bod...

How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them

9
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"How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them" is a New York Times Bestseller, winner of the Global Policy Institute Award, and Sunday Times Book of the Year. Written by leading political scientist Barb...

The Spanish Civil War: Revised Edition

9
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The Spanish Civil War: Revised Edition is a must-have for any history enthusiast. Written by renowned historian Hugh Thomas, this revised edition offers an in-depth look at one of the most momentous e...

Ends of War: The Unfinished Fight of Lee's Army after Appomattox

8.8
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Ends of War: The Unfinished Fight of Lee's Army after Appomattox" to gain a deeper understanding of the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War. "Ends of War: The Unfinished Fight of Lee's Army after A...

Civil War Stories (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)

8.4
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Civil War Stories (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories) is a collection of 16 short stories by renowned American author, Ambrose Bierce. These stories are taken from his acclaimed collection Tales of...

The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville

9.4
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The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville is an essential book for anyone interested in learning more about the American Civil War. Written by Shelby Foote, it is the first volum...

second civil war (a lesser god)

10
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A Chain of Thunder: A Novel of the Siege of Vicksburg (Civil War: 1861

9.4
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERContinuing the series that began with A Blaze of Glory, Jeff Shaara returns to chronicle another decisive chapter in America’s long and bloody Civil War. In A Chain of Th...under, the action shifts to the fortress city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. There, in the vaunted “Gibraltar of the Confederacy,” a siege for the ages will cement the reputation of one Union general—and all but seal the fate of the rebel cause. In May 1863, after months of hard and bitter combat, Union troops under the command of Major General Ulysses S. Grant at long last successfully cross the Mississippi River. They force the remnants of Confederate Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton’s army to retreat to Vicksburg, burning the bridges over the Big Black River in its path. But after sustaining heavy casualties in two failed assaults against the rebels, Union soldiers are losing confidence and morale is low. Grant reluctantly decides to lay siege to the city, trapping soldiers and civilians alike inside an iron ring of Federal entrenchments. Six weeks later, the starving and destitute Southerners finally surrender, yielding command of the Mississippi River to the Union forces on July 4—Independence Day—and marking a crucial turning point in the Civil War. Drawing on comprehensive research and his own intimate knowledge of the Vicksburg Campaign, Jeff Shaara once again weaves brilliant fiction out of the ragged cloth of historical fact. From the command tents where generals plot strategy to the ruined mansions where beleaguered citizens huddle for safety, this is a panoramic portrait of men and women whose lives are forever altered by the siege. On one side stand the emerging legend Grant, his irascible second William T. Sherman, and the youthful “grunt” Private Fritz Bauer; on the other, the Confederate commanders Pemberton and Joseph Johnston, as well as nineteen-year-old Lucy Spence, a civilian doing her best to survive in the besieged city. By giving voice to their experiences at Vicksburg, A Chain of Thunder vividly evokes a battle whose outcome still reverberates more than 150 years after the cannons fell silent.BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Jeff Shaara's The Smoke at Dawn.Praise for A Chain of Thunder “[Jeff] Shaara continues to draw powerful novels from the bloody history of the Civil War. . . . The dialogue intrigues. Shaara aptly reveals the main actors: Grant, stoic, driven, not given to micromanagement; Sherman, anxious, high-strung, engaged even when doubting Grant’s strategy. . . . Worth a Civil War buff’s attention.”—Kirkus Reviews “Searing . . . Shaara seamlessly interweaves multiple points of view, as the plot is driven by a stellar cast of real-life and fictional characters coping with the pivotal crisis. . . . [A] riveting fictional narrative.”—Booklist“Shaara’s historical accuracy is faultless, and he tells a good story. . . . The voices of these people come across to the reader as poignantly as they did 150 years ago.”—Historical Novels Review“The writing is picturesque and vibrant. . . . [an] engrossing tale.”—Bookreporter Read more

The War Outside My Window: The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860

9.4
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Winner, 2018, The Douglas Southall Freeman AwardFinalist, 2017-2018 Founders Award, American Civil War MuseumFinalist for Memoir, Historical, 2018, The Indie Book AwardsLeRoy Wiley Gresham was bor...n in 1847 to an affluent slave-holding family in Macon, Georgia. After a horrific leg injury left him an invalid, the educated, inquisitive, perceptive, and exceptionally witty 12-year-old began keeping a diary in 1860--just as secession and the Civil War began tearing the country and his world apart. He continued to write even as his health deteriorated until both the war and his life ended in 1865. His unique manuscript of the demise of the Old South—lauded by the Library of Congress as one of its premier holdings—is published here for the first time in The War Outside My Window: The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865.LeRoy read books, devoured newspapers and magazines, listened to gossip, and discussed and debated important social and military issues with his parents and others. He wrote daily for five years, putting pen to paper with a vim and tongue-in-cheek vigor that impresses even now, more than 150 years later. His practical, philosophical, and occasionally Twain-like hilarious observations cover politics and the secession movement, the long and increasingly destructive Civil War, family pets, a wide variety of hobbies and interests, and what life was like at the center of a socially prominent wealthy family in the important Confederate manufacturing center of Macon. The young scribe often voiced concern about the family’s pair of plantations outside town, and recorded his interactions and relationships with “servants” Howard, Allen, Eveline, and others as he pondered the fate of human bondage and his family’s declining fortunes.Unbeknownst to LeRoy, he was chronicling his own slow and painful descent toward death in tandem with the demise of the Southern Confederacy. He recorded—often in horrific detail—an increasingly painful and debilitating disease that robbed him of his childhood. The teenager’s declining health is a consistent thread coursing through his fascinating journals. “I feel more discouraged [and] less hopeful about getting well than I ever did before,” he wrote on March 17, 1863. “I am weaker and more helpless than I ever was.” Morphine and a score of other “remedies” did little to ease his suffering. Abscesses developed; nagging coughs and pain consumed him. Alternating between bouts of euphoria and despondency, he often wrote, “Saw off my leg.”The War Outside My Window, edited and annotated by Janet Croon with helpful footnotes and a detailed family biographical chart, captures the spirit and the character of a young privileged white teenager witnessing the demise of his world even as his own body slowly failed him. Just as Anne Frank has come down to us as the adolescent voice of World War II, LeRoy Gresham will now be remembered as the young voice of the Civil War South. Read more

The Scouts of Stonewall: The Story of the Great Valley Campaign (Civil War Series)

9.4
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The Scouts of Stonewall, published in 1914, covers the period March-July 1862, and includes the battles of Kernstown (23 March), Winchester (23 May), Cross Keys (8 June), Port Republic (9 Jun), and The Seven Days (25 June-1 July). Harry Kenton is again the main character. Read more

Civil War books and authors are an essential part of understanding American history. These books provide insights into the reasons behind the war, the battles fought, the leaders and soldiers of both sides, and the effects of the war on American society. However, choosing the right civil war books and authors can be a challenge, especially with the abundance of options available. Here are some valuable tips to help you choose the best civil war books and authors in the Literature & Fiction category.

Tip 1: Determine your interests

Civil War books and authors cover a wide range of topics, such as military history, politics, slavery, and economics. It is crucial to determine your interests before choosing a book. For instance, if you are interested in military history, you may choose books that focus on specific battles or campaigns. On the other hand, if you are interested in understanding the causes and consequences of the war, you may prefer books that focus on the political and social aspects of the war.

Example:

The Civil War: A Narrative by Shelby Foote is an excellent choice for readers who are interested in detailed accounts of the military history of the Civil War. It covers the entire history of the war, from the first shots at Fort Sumter to General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.

Tip 2: Research the author

The author's expertise and credibility are important factors to consider when choosing civil war books. It is advisable to research the author's background, academic credentials, and previous works. This will give you an idea of the author's knowledge of the subject matter and their writing style. It is also essential to check if the author's work has been reviewed by reputable publications or experts in the field.

Example:

Drew Gilpin Faust is a respected historian and academician who has written extensively on the American South and the Civil War. Her book, This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War, examines the impact of death on American society during the war. The book has received critical acclaim and has been reviewed by several reputable publications, including The New York Times.

Tip 3: Read reviews

Reviews from other readers and experts can give you a better understanding of the quality and content of the book. It is important to read reviews from a variety of sources, including websites, blogs, and magazines. Reading reviews can also help you discover lesser-known books and authors that are worthy of your attention.

Example:

The Confederacy's Last Hurrah by Wiley Sword is a book that received positive reviews from several publications, including Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. The book is about the Battle of Bentonville, the last major Confederate offensive of the Civil War. The reviews praised the book's detailed account of the battle and its analysis of the Confederate army's morale and strategy.

Tip 4: Check the edition and publisher

The edition and publisher of the book can affect its quality and authenticity. It is advisable to choose books that are from respected publishing houses and reputable editions. This will ensure that the book has been well-researched, fact-checked, and accurately represents the subject matter.

Example:

The Library of America publishes a series of books that provide authoritative versions of classic American literature. Their edition of Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1859-1865 contains Lincoln's most insightful and eloquent speeches and writings during the Civil War. The edition is edited by Don E. Fehrenbacher, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and expert on Lincoln and the Civil War.

Tip 5: Consider the format

Civil War books are available in several formats, including hardcover, paperback, audio, and e-book. The format you choose can depend on your personal preference, budget, and reading habits. Some readers may prefer physical books, while others may prefer audiobooks or e-books for their convenience and portability.

Example:

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James M. McPherson is available in several formats, including hardcover, paperback, and e-book. The audiobook version is narrated by Jonathan Davis and is an excellent choice for readers who prefer listening to books while commuting or doing other activities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right civil war books and authors can be a daunting task, but by following these valuable tips, you can make an informed and satisfying choice. Remember to determine your interests, research the author, read reviews, check the edition and publisher, and consider the format. By doing so, you can enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the rich and complex history of the American Civil War.

Best Civil War Books And Authors
of Feb 2025

Tip 1: Determine your interests

Example:

Tip 2: Research the author

Example:

Tip 3: Read reviews

Example:

Tip 4: Check the edition and publisher

Example:

Tip 5: Consider the format

Example:

Conclusion

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About

Best Civil War Books And Authors of Feb 2025

Tip 1: Determine your interests

Example:

Tip 2: Research the author

Example:

Tip 3: Read reviews

Example:

Tip 4: Check the edition and publisher

Example:

Tip 5: Consider the format

Example:

Conclusion

Related Topics You Might Like

Our Mission

Top Interested

About

Best Civil War Books And Authors
of Feb 2025