A classic overview of the war that will probably seem quite familiar to folks who watched the Ken Burns series. Rather too sympathetic to the South for my tastes. ( )

An exceptional single volume source for the whys and wherefores of a crucial piece of American History. ( )

A headlong plunge into this clash of ideals, this history of the fight for the American soul drives recent events into perspective. Just how far have we actually evolved in the hundred-and-fifty-plus years since the ending of the Civil War? Every glance at the news has to make us question our own collective enlightenment, our wokeness. Even if Catton were not such a good writer, this book would be well worth the reader's time because of its relevance. But Catton can write. Those — myself included — unfamiliar with the intricacies of Civil War tactics and maneuvering need not be put off. The true value here lies in the sweep of the narrative.

Read in a gulp, Catton's history was most valuable in providing an understanding of the countervailing forces which very nearly cleaved the country in two. There are no heroes here, and in this was the greatest surprise for me. While the evils of slavery and the necessity of destroying the institution are obvious, much less so is the character of the southerner. For what did he fight? The answer is not obvious and was not made so by the end of the book. This is at least part of the point. The reasons for the war are ultimately as varied as the people which participated. More than anything, it is the humanity of all involved which comes through on these pages. ( )

This was a competent if (necessarily) surface level overview of the Civil War that I would have enjoyed much more had I not already read James M. McPhersons' stunning Battle Cry of Freedom. Read McPhersons' book if you only ever read one book on the Civil War, read this volume from Catton only if you're pressed for time and want an overview quickly. ( )

Bruce Catton is a defnintive and prolific authority on the Civil War. This particular volume is shorter than most, but still gives an excellent overview. This book contains an extensive collection of photgraphs. ( )