Illustrated history of the American Civil War

by Henry Steele Commager, Marcus Cunliffe, Maldwyn A. Jones

The American Civil War was, and remains, one of the most significant events in the history of the modern world. It was the great point of crisis in the development of the United States, and its repercussions are still felt today. Yet to most people it is a confused collection of political, social and military events, with little pattern behind the differing elements. Leading scholars of American history here explain the whole background and course of the war, with special emphasis on the clash between two fraternal societies each with sincere but acutely opposed ambitions. From this basis, they demonstrate where all the various elements come into the story - how for instance, the ante-bellum South developed in such a distinctive manner, and why it identified itself with the continuation and expansion of slavery. The book is illustrated with over 300 pictures, many in colour. This is a compulsive re-appraisal of an historic event of tragic proportions which wove a hybrid collection of peoples into the greatest, most influential nation of the western world.

Genres: Nonfiction

284 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1979

About the author

Henry Steele Commager was an American historian who helped define Modern liberalism in the United States for two generations through his 40 books and 700 essays and reviews.

Reviews

[Michael Eklund · Rating 5 out of 5]

By leading scholars and magnificently illustrated, this volume explains the cultural and political background. The military part of the war is not covered in any detail, but it is still a fantastic work which readily describes the road to the war and the effects of the horrible conflict in excellent flowing and easily read texts.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks at slavery, tortune, cotton, social divisions, southern nationalism, the underground railway, politics, secession, battles and the war ending. It is very detailed and good for fans wanting a comprehensive review of the time period.