Publisher Description
The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 1 begins one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned. All the great battles are here, of course, from Bull Run through Shiloh, the Seven Days Battles, and Antietam, but so are the smaller ones: Ball’s Bluff, Fort Donelson, Pea Ridge, Island Ten, New Orleans, and Monitor versus Merrimac.
The word “narrative” is the key to this extraordinary book’s incandescence and its truth. The story is told entirely from the point of view of the people involved in it. One learns not only what was happening on all fronts but also how the author discovered it during his years of exhaustive research.
This first volume in Shelby Foote’s comprehensive history is a must-listen for anyone interested in one of the bloodiest wars in America’s history.
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“Been reading this book in parts for last year, as the “baseline” to my series of Civil War books. Reading this series will be the progress I’ll keep coming back to after branching out to other books, topics and sub-topics. Foote’s writing as a narrative is exactly what I prefer to history. And though you can tell his writing is based in research, it isn’t overly academic and thrown in your face with notes and conclusions, etc. His note on bibliography at end of book is sufficient for what I’m looking for (tips to other books). Foote unmasks his opinions very obviously about certain commanders, especially their absurdities and failings. Equally, his praise for other leaders and figures is obvious, and I like this about it as well. The battles are covered in correct summary level, and the politics and culture tying together the events nicely. After first volume, I’m anticipating completing this series will be something I’ll remember all my life.”
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Greg (5 out of 5 stars)
