Mr. Lincoln's Army

Questions About Mr. Lincoln's Army

by Bruce Catton

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Answered Questions (1)

How well versed in the Civil War do you have to be to appreciate the trilogy?Is it easy for beginners to follow? My knowledge of the civil war is very rudimentary, but I've read excerpts from Catton's book and was blown away by the elegance of his prose.
Michael I don't think the actual prose is particularly difficult. What is key is that the book begins en medias res at the end of the Second Battle of Bull Ru…moreI don't think the actual prose is particularly difficult. What is key is that the book begins en medias res at the end of the Second Battle of Bull Run before backing up to give a history starting at the founding of the Army of the Potomac.

As a result, if you legitimately don't know anything about Civil War, I think you'll find this a hard place to start. The book isn't a history of the Civil War, but a history of the flagship army of the Union. Anything West-ward is minimally treated. For example, Franz Sigel's place at the Second Battle of Bull Run is mentioned but nothing about his involvement in the fighting in Missouri or at Wilson's Creek. Again, this makes sense for what the book is stated to be, but it may or may not be what someone new to the conflict is looking for.(less)
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