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Osprey Essential Histories #4
The American Civil War (CO-ED): 1861-1863 (Special Editions
In April 1861 the United States erupted into fighting at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, beginning what would become the most cataclysmic military struggle in the western world between Waterloo and the First World War. This volume focuses on events in the Virginia theater during the conflict's first two years, highlighting Union and Confederate strengths and weaknesses, leadership and strategy on each side, and the ways in which events on the battlefield influenced politics, diplomacy, and debates about emancipation.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2001
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79 people want to read
About the author
Gary W. Gallagher
109 books98 followersGary W. Gallagher, the John L. Nau III Professor of History at the University of Virginia, is the author or editor of many books in the field of Civil War history, including The Confederate War; Causes Won, Lost, and Forgotten: How Hollywood and Popular Art Shape What We Know about the Civil War; and The Union War.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 3, 2020
Quite an enjoyable little book- and a great basic history to give anyone a quick first look/refresher on the American Civil War. This is as it was fought in the East,the most famous theater of the War, so the battles are all iconic. With a plethora of maps, diagrams, line drawings and photos from and of period artifacts- Gary Gallagher has done a fine job with a basic history for anyone over about 10. I used it as a refresher, as I plan on reading more American Military History this year and really enjoyed it. From Manassas/Bull Run to Chancellorsville, the action comes in fits and starts, just like it did- with the logistical underpinnings-usually railroads or rivers, easy to follow on the maps/charts. Held my attention well enough.
The Background is compelling- the slavery/racism of the Antebellum America- disguised as a"states rights" struggle- with good explanation of the Buildup to war. Once the war breaks out, the narrative is really straightforward - following the war month by month. There are also modules- if the book gets used as a syllabus- about both Armies, A confederate Soldier's memoirs, both sides' homefronts, and a spotlight on a Virginian Woman Refugee's life in Confederate territory- all are interesting and widen one's view of the struggle.
Written for a wide audience with no adult themes and little gore, this fine for the eager junior reader over 10. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast this is more like an amuse bouche - but it IS a book you can hand to a friend/Club member when they ask you silly questions about your hobby- or before you go on a battlefield vacation, or start a campaign. It's a great way to catch people up on a topic- before they take a deeper dive- or get ready for a test or paper. A strong candidate for a starter Civil War library.
The Background is compelling- the slavery/racism of the Antebellum America- disguised as a"states rights" struggle- with good explanation of the Buildup to war. Once the war breaks out, the narrative is really straightforward - following the war month by month. There are also modules- if the book gets used as a syllabus- about both Armies, A confederate Soldier's memoirs, both sides' homefronts, and a spotlight on a Virginian Woman Refugee's life in Confederate territory- all are interesting and widen one's view of the struggle.
Written for a wide audience with no adult themes and little gore, this fine for the eager junior reader over 10. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast this is more like an amuse bouche - but it IS a book you can hand to a friend/Club member when they ask you silly questions about your hobby- or before you go on a battlefield vacation, or start a campaign. It's a great way to catch people up on a topic- before they take a deeper dive- or get ready for a test or paper. A strong candidate for a starter Civil War library.
December 16, 2023
A Very Good Introduction to the Topic Albeit Narrow in Scope
Any review of this book would have to start out that this book it is part of Osprey Publishing's "Essential Histories" series, hence it is relatively short at only 96 pages. Plus a large portion of these 96 pages are dedicated to illustrations of one type or another (i.e.. maps, photographs of battle sites and leading characters, etc.) thus the book itself, in terms of text, is relatively short. Therefore anyone looking for an academic tome would be disappointed. It is more geared to those looking for a cliff notes style introduction to the topic as opposed to the specialist or with intermediate knowledge on the subject. Thus the question to ask is how does it perform as such? The answer is very well.
Most importantly, it provides a very good overview for its intended audience. All major topics are touched upon. For example, causes of the war, weaknesses and strengths of each side, etc. This is not, however, to say that these are covered in depth. This is due, as pointed out earlier, to the brevity of the book. Also, the book does a have a few major gaps. For example it does not explain, never mind elaborate, on economic issues and their role in the cause of the war. The North preferred high tariffs to protect its manufacturing base from foreign competition but this seriously reduced the purchasing power of the South's main exports, cotton and tobacco. Also, while the book does mention that the North had a large advantage in manufacturing, it does not go into more detail on this (i.e., how much more of an advantage did the North have in producing weapons? Ships? Etc.?). Considering the fact the book is so short it can be forgiven however. It is what it is.
However, the format of the book makes this problem a little worse than it should be. For example, there are a few pages dedicated to the experiences of specific individuals. This would be very interesting in a book of much longer length but in a book this short it cuts down on the discussion of more important factors in the war (such as those mentioned in the last paragraph). For reader it is geared towards however it still does a very good job at providing an introduction to the topic. Four stars.
For those interested in the remaining books in the Osprey series of the US civil war (The War in the East 1863-6S, The War in the West 1861-63 and The War in the West 1863-65) this reviewer also highly recommends them. Most of the points also apply to them. Instead of purchasing the four volumes separately it is recommended that the compendium published by Osprey Publishing containing all four, "The American Civil War: This Mighty Scourge of War", be purchased instead. Much more cost effective.
Any review of this book would have to start out that this book it is part of Osprey Publishing's "Essential Histories" series, hence it is relatively short at only 96 pages. Plus a large portion of these 96 pages are dedicated to illustrations of one type or another (i.e.. maps, photographs of battle sites and leading characters, etc.) thus the book itself, in terms of text, is relatively short. Therefore anyone looking for an academic tome would be disappointed. It is more geared to those looking for a cliff notes style introduction to the topic as opposed to the specialist or with intermediate knowledge on the subject. Thus the question to ask is how does it perform as such? The answer is very well.
Most importantly, it provides a very good overview for its intended audience. All major topics are touched upon. For example, causes of the war, weaknesses and strengths of each side, etc. This is not, however, to say that these are covered in depth. This is due, as pointed out earlier, to the brevity of the book. Also, the book does a have a few major gaps. For example it does not explain, never mind elaborate, on economic issues and their role in the cause of the war. The North preferred high tariffs to protect its manufacturing base from foreign competition but this seriously reduced the purchasing power of the South's main exports, cotton and tobacco. Also, while the book does mention that the North had a large advantage in manufacturing, it does not go into more detail on this (i.e., how much more of an advantage did the North have in producing weapons? Ships? Etc.?). Considering the fact the book is so short it can be forgiven however. It is what it is.
However, the format of the book makes this problem a little worse than it should be. For example, there are a few pages dedicated to the experiences of specific individuals. This would be very interesting in a book of much longer length but in a book this short it cuts down on the discussion of more important factors in the war (such as those mentioned in the last paragraph). For reader it is geared towards however it still does a very good job at providing an introduction to the topic. Four stars.
For those interested in the remaining books in the Osprey series of the US civil war (The War in the East 1863-6S, The War in the West 1861-63 and The War in the West 1863-65) this reviewer also highly recommends them. Most of the points also apply to them. Instead of purchasing the four volumes separately it is recommended that the compendium published by Osprey Publishing containing all four, "The American Civil War: This Mighty Scourge of War", be purchased instead. Much more cost effective.
December 30, 2016
This first of four volumes focusing on the Civil War introduces the primary causes of the war and details the early campaigns in the Virginia theatre. An excellent primer for those interested in learning more about the civil war, this short book is easy to read and very educational. From Fort Sumter to Chancellorsville, this volume chronicles some of the most famous battles fought during the entire war. Also, some of the most famous actors of the Civil War are introduced and described in detail here. Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, George McClellan, and Stonewall Jackson are names most Americans most closely associate with the Civil War, and this is the volume to look in if you're interested in learning more about them.
Nearly all historians agree that the most pivotal point of the Civil War came during this time period, where the future was uncertain, and indeed the Confederacy seemed to be on the verge of victory, until Antietam. The famous "lost orders" of Lee's is one event that didn't receive adequate coverage in this volume (only my opinion), but authors are severely constricted to stay within the 96-page limit. All 96 pages were certainly needed here, and put to good use. Actually, by dividing the Civil War into four volumes, the authors are able to go into much greater depth than in some other Essential Histories.
As with all of the books in the EH collection, this book provides more than just details of the battles. Social, political, and economic conditions of the time are discussed in a fair degree of depth. Living conditions for both soldiers and common citizens are described. Nearly every page contains pictures, art, or diagrams that really help bring the history to life.
One of the most enjoyable Essential Histories I've read. Read and learn as the Army of the Potomac fiercely battles the Army of Virginia. Highly recommended.
Nearly all historians agree that the most pivotal point of the Civil War came during this time period, where the future was uncertain, and indeed the Confederacy seemed to be on the verge of victory, until Antietam. The famous "lost orders" of Lee's is one event that didn't receive adequate coverage in this volume (only my opinion), but authors are severely constricted to stay within the 96-page limit. All 96 pages were certainly needed here, and put to good use. Actually, by dividing the Civil War into four volumes, the authors are able to go into much greater depth than in some other Essential Histories.
As with all of the books in the EH collection, this book provides more than just details of the battles. Social, political, and economic conditions of the time are discussed in a fair degree of depth. Living conditions for both soldiers and common citizens are described. Nearly every page contains pictures, art, or diagrams that really help bring the history to life.
One of the most enjoyable Essential Histories I've read. Read and learn as the Army of the Potomac fiercely battles the Army of Virginia. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2019
A good primer
These Osprey books are a good start for anyone interested in the military history, as opposed to either the political or social side. They offer clear maps an concise breakdowns of the action.
These Osprey books are a good start for anyone interested in the military history, as opposed to either the political or social side. They offer clear maps an concise breakdowns of the action.
July 1, 2013
Just like most other books from Osprey, this volume is very condensed and rapid overview of the topic it's dedicated to. The author does a pretty decent job and provides a good basic overview of developments leading to the war and subsequent campaigns in the East during period of 1861-first half of 1863 (in other words from First Bull Run to Chancellorsville). Coverage of the events takes up most of available space, the rest is used for three vignettes dedicated such varied topics as effects of the conflict on civilians and couple of pages telling more in detail about the fate of one of Confederate soldiers. Intention of those 'snippets' is to give more 'meat' to the dry facts and I must admit that the approach works pretty well.
Excellent choice for an introduction to the conflict as well as good starting point for more detailed studies.
Excellent choice for an introduction to the conflict as well as good starting point for more detailed studies.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews