Struggle for a Vast Future: The American Civil War: A Selection of Essays

by Aaron Sheehan-Dean

The American Civil War saw the country that was founded on the ideals of "liberty and union" torn apart and embroiled in some of the most bitter and bloodiest fighting mankind has witnessed. The war changed the face and character of America forever and the shockwaves of it resounded around the world. Osprey's Struggle for a Vast Future seeks to reach an understanding of the origins of this landmark conflict and its place in the history of modern society and warfare. The major themes of the war are examined in depth by the world's leading American Civil War experts, including the innovation of warfare, the role of women and ethnic origins, espionage and the extraordinary leaders and personalities that shaped the future of the United States. The conflict is also brought to life through superb photographs and illustrations. This book is not only a fascinating new perspective but is invaluable to anyone seeking to enrich their understanding of this historic event.

Genres: History, Civil War, Military History, American Civil War, American History, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Aaron Sheehan-Dean is Fred C. Frey Chair of Southern Studies at Louisiana State University. His previous books include The Civil War: The Final Year Told by Those Who Lived It and Why Confederates Fought: Family and Nation in Civil War Virginia. He is currently editing the Cambridge History of the American Civil War.

Reviews

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aaron Sheehan-Deanin toimittama "Struggle for a Vast Future" (Osprey, 2006) löytyi aikanaan Turun kirjamessujen tarjoushyllystä. Nappasin sen sieltä mukaani, aiheesta kun ei pahemmin löydy suomeksi kirjoitettua tietokirjallisuutta.

USA:n sisällissotaa käsitellään kirjassa kahdentoista eri tekijän toimesta. Artikkelien näkökulmat ja aiheet vaihtelevat sodan syytaustoista ulkovaltojen suhtautumiseen sekä merisodasta vakoiluun. Lienee syytä tunnustaa, etten ole aiheen suurin asiantuntija, joten olisi olisi voinut tehdä hyvää lukea joku yleisesitys aiheesta.

Englannin kielen taitoni osoitti hetkittäin myös rajallisuutensa, enkä ollut aina ihan sinut erikoissanaston kanssa. Kuvitus oli komeaa.

[Richard F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed each essay. They were concise, fact filled and well writtent.

[Manuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very high quality work on many subjects (each with its own chapter) of the American Civil War: causes, consequences, strategic steering, economics, as well as others specifically military, like military intelligence or naval warfare.
What it is not is a narrative of military campaigns and battles.
If you are a professional historian or have an amateur interest of high academic level, this is a very good choice.
If you just like narrative history of military events, this book is not for you.