Good general history of the Civil War

[tar00]

I'm looking for a general but quality history of the American Civil War, preferably something relatively recent. Any suggestions?

[normaninvasion]

Battle Cry of Freedom- James McPherson

[River Rat]

I'm looking for a general but quality history of the American Civil War, preferably something relatively recent. Any suggestions?

 

 

Sorry, these aren't relatively recent, but I like them. As an added bonus most are easy to find in used book stores at bargain prices. I have books from the Northern viewpoint and other books from the Southern. I bet you'd enjoy the Ken Burns PBS series. Somewhere I have a book that complemented the series. It was such a big war and so sad and such a disaster for our nation, but oddly compelling. I don't think you can come close to understanding it with any one book. Be carefull you may get hooked.

 

Bruce Catton's Trilogy, A lot of reading but a fun read. Very pleasant style.

Freemans "Lee's Lieutenants"

Shelby Footes "the Civil War, a Narrative

The Mathew Brady "Photograhic History of the Civil War" is good as well.