The Penguin Book of the American Civil War

by Bruce Catton

the American civil war has already taken on the quality of a legend, and not only for Americans. Feats of endurance, acts of chivalry, and strokes of strategic genius; towering personalities like Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee; human and constitution issues of vast significance-all these have provided themes of endless personal, political, and military fascintion.

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Bruce Catton was a distinguished American historian and journalist, best known for his influential writings on the American Civil War. Renowned for his narrative style, Catton brought history to life through richly drawn characters, vivid battlefield descriptions, and a deep understanding of the political and emotional forces that shaped the era. His accessible yet meticulously researched books made him one of the most popular historians of the twentieth century.
Born in Petoskey, Michigan, and raised in the small town of Benzonia, Catton grew up surrounded by Civil War veterans whose personal stories sparked a lifelong fascination with the conflict. Though he briefly attended Oberlin College, Catton left during World War I and served in the U.S. Navy. He later began a career in journalism, working as a reporter, editor, and Washington correspondent. His experience in government service during World War II inspired his first book, The War Lords of Washington (1948).
Catton achieved national acclaim with his Army of the Potomac trilogy—Mr. Lincoln’s Army (1951), Glory Road (1952), and A Stillness at Appomattox (1953)—the last of which earned him the Pulitzer Prize for History and the National Book Award. He went on to publish a second trilogy, The Centennial History of the Civil War, and contributed two volumes to a biography of Ulysses S. Grant, begun by Lloyd Lewis. His other notable works include This Hallowed Ground, The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War, and Waiting for the Morning Train, a memoir of his Michigan boyhood.
In 1954, Catton became the founding editor of American Heritage magazine, further shaping the public’s understanding of U.S. history. In 1977, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Catton’s legacy endures through his vivid portrayals of America’s most defining conflict and his enduring influence on historical writing.

Reviews

[Peter Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasingly straightforward account of a war which, as a Brit, I knew little about. The causes were well outlined, the role of slavery explained, the many key players highlighted and the colossal mis-management of the military and consequent huge loss of life detailed. It was actually quite striking how the confederate army seemed to be by far the best run and most motivated but lost out in the end to the overwhelming economic and manpower advantage of the north. One small criticism was the way the text often referred to places that weren't included on the many maps that ran through the book. Other than that, a good primer.

[Frank Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American Civil War is more than just the past – it isn't even over yet. For non-Americans however, the conflict seems not just distant but alien. We get disjointed glimpses of battlefields with resonant names like Fort Sumter, Gettysburg, Appomattox. This pocket guide puts everything in order and fills in the gaps, weaving the encyclopedic together with an engaging narrative. I won't be mixing up the First and Second Battles of Bull Run again!

[Ian Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable, general overview of the American Civil War, giving a clear big picture. Some astounding facts, too. For instance, I hadn't appreciated just how big the cotton industry was. By 1860 cotton exports amounted to $191,000,000, which was a staggering 57% of the value of all American exports, and a force of 4 million slaves was employed to create it.

[Robin Braysher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure that I've ever read anything on the American Civil War before, but I found this clear and readable account of the conflict an excellent place to start.

[Thomas Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a nice balance between storytelling and information. It sets the scene well and explains the mood of the unionists and confederates at each juncture. I feel reasonably well informed having finished this book.