The Civil War Reader: The Union Reader, the Confederate Reader

by Richard B. Harwell (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Civil War, History

776 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Jdb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this in a used bookstore several years ago and finally got around to reading it. It is a compilation of observations by people who personally experienced various aspects of the Civil War. Broken down into Union & Confederate sections and further sub divided by year, it focuses mostly on the perspectives of civilians and the ordinary soldier.

Mildly interesting, but there are a few real gems such as Gen. Sherman’s response to the mayor of Atlanta’s plea not to force evacuation of all residents after capturing the city in 1864. I have not read a better analysis of war’s realities: once begun, it must be fought to victory, despite hardships:”War is cruelty…you cannot have peace and a division of our country…you might as well appeal against the thunderstorm as against these terrible hardships of war now that war comes to you…you deprecate its horrors, but you did not feel them when you sent car loads of soldiers into Kentucky and Tennessee “

There is a marked contrast in underlying themes, depending on which side the writer participated. The Confederate spoke of honor, gallantry, and valor while the Yankee talked of Union and finishing the task at hand. Each side demonized the other: Yankees were motivated by greed for gain while Confederates were traitors.

[Benjamin Edwards]

Lots of primary sources, used extensively and from both sides of the conflict, solid piece for those people that want to hear the raw conversation. However, would likely be helpful alongside some commentary to place those writings into context.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable read