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Best Civil War Gettysburg History

Hallowed Ground: A Walk at Gettysburg
James M. McPherson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom , and arguably the finest Civil War historian in the world, walks readers through the Gettysburg battlefield -- the site of the most consequential battle of the Civil War. Hugh McAloon, formerly at Prince William County Public Library, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reviews
"This book gives both the guide and also the battle."
"very well thought out and written with great historical value."
"A quick and accessible read about the Battle of Gettysburg."
"McPherson is a great historian."
"So simple, yes so eloquent."
"Possible rival candidates are Lexington and Concord, Yorktown, or Omaha Beach -- but more Americans visit Gettysburg each year than any of these other battlefields, probably more than all of them combined. In addition to providing an overview of the first three days in July 1863, McPherson sprinkles in interesting anecdotes concerning the Battle itself as well as various efforts to commemorate aspects of it. One example: Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is now (rightfully) famous for his leadership of the 20th Maine in holding the left flank of the Union line at Little Round Top the night of July 2nd. Another example: Pickett's Charge, a frontal assault on the entrenched and formidable Union line, is popularly regarded (especially in the South) as one of the most valiant events in military history. For example, in the quoted sentence, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and the stone wall could be designated "A" and "B" in parentheses, and the reader could easily locate them on the map by the corresponding letters "A" and "B"."
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Stars in Their Courses: The Gettysburg Campaign, June-July 1863
A matchless account of the Battle of Gettysburg, drawn from Shelby Foote’s landmark history of the Civil War Shelby Foote’s monumental three-part chronicle, The Civil War: A Narrative, was hailed by Walker Percy as “an unparalleled achievement, an American Iliad, a unique work uniting the scholarship of the historian and the high readability of the first-class novelist.”. Foote positions readers on the field of battle itself, among swirling smoke and clattering grapeshot, and invites us to feel for ourselves its hellishness: "men on both sides were hollering as they milled about and fired, some cursing, others praying ... not a commingling of shouts and yells but rather like a vast mournful roar."
Reviews
"Shelby Foote writing about the civil war?"
"the book is just true to the ever lasting great writings of Shelby, what a true historian, the book is a eye opener to what we have read in the past on the Gettysburg three days of death, taking these 290 pages of words to explain what Gettysburg truly was on those three HOT days out of his three Vol."
"One part was "The Beleaguered City" about Grant's Vicksburg campaign; the other was "Stars in their Courses" about another event which climaxed on the same day of 1863 - the Gettysburg battle."
"- _Stars in their Courses_ is simply a few chapters from _The Civil War: A Narrative_, which I dearly love and own in hard copy, Kindle, and Audible versions, and have read multiple times and will continue to consume. - I have purchased every recording I can find of Foote's extemporaneous comments on the Civil War and his works."
"Instead he describes the strategic and tactical logic behind the battle, what led to its eventual outcome, and how crucial decisions were made during the fighting."
"On the recommendation of a friend I read the book prior to a visit of Gettysburg park and it made the experience much more interesting."
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Gettysburg: The Story of the Battle with Maps
70 color maps and insightful text tell the hour-by-hour story of the 3-day Battle of Gettysburg Each map shows the same 3 1/2-by-4 1/2-mile view of the battlefield, allowing the reader to visualize the battle as it developed over the entire area, including key engagements, troop movements and positions, and locations of commanders Sheds new light on important events such as the first clash west of town on July 1, the fighting for Cemetery Hill, the defense of Little Round Top, Pickett's Charge, and more Crystal-clear maps and narrative make this an ideal introduction for newcomers while the unique approach offers fresh perspectives for those who've read every book on the battle Perfect companion for battlefield visits and armchair-general debates. This book meets people coming to the battlefield just where they are, with concise and uncluttered maps that clearly and accurately lay out the major movements down to brigade level, on an hour-by-hour basis, and with a straightforward and easily followed narrative of each map’s actions. The maps are very easy to follow. "Many attempts to depict the course of fighting on America’s most iconic battlefield are either so general as to be misleading, or so specific as to be incomprehensible.
Reviews
"The author not only explains what units are moving where in a very clear manner, but the strengths and weaknesses of the commanders, of their plans and of their execution."
"As I read Coddington, I would study the maps from this book that corresponded to the portion of the battle I was reading about, making the descriptions that more understandable."
"It has an excellent collection of maps showing how the battle unfolded, who was where, and how it progressed over three days."
"I have always had a passing interest in the Civil War, moreso in the past five years since I've moved back East and am within driving distance of a number of battlefields."
"If you've already read a lot about the battle and toured the battlefield in person, then this is a great retelling of a great story."
"This book provided me an exquisite look at the battlefield on each page, so i could really see how complex the battlefield activities were."
"In muted background colors and printing, that first map gave me a complete picture of the battle's terrain; something I'd not seen before."
"Got this before a vacation to Gettysburg Battlefield."
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Best Civil War Fredericksburg History

Civil War Volumes 1-3 Box Set
A 3-volume, softcover set of books by Shelby Foote dealing with the Civil War.
Reviews
"It is extremely rare to find a book so compelling you can't wait to get back to it and I spite of knowing the ending the tears for all concerned won't stop flowing."
"I just only received this box set a few days ago, so I haven't had a lot of time to read any of it extensively."
"This background will prove invaluable when you read other shorter books or books on narrower topics, like individual battles or persons. This is a good book for the casual reader or second book after (or maybe before) Foote."
"Each time I read the trilogy I came away with a greater appreciation of the literary genius of Shelby Foote."
"Very detailed and informative!"
"Son was overjoyed to receive book 3."
"A classic always wanted to purchase the 3 book set looking forward to reading this winter."
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Best Civil War Antietam History

To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862
For the sesquicentennial of Antietam and the Maryland Campaign, D. Scott Hartwig delivers a riveting first installment of a two-volume study of the campaign and climactic battle. "The first volume of this two volume set is so very well written and all-inclusive on the detailed facts of this Maryland Campaign that it looks like this two volume set just might be the very best ever written on this campaign and battle." (Harry S. Laver Civil War Book Review ). "By far the best work done on the Maryland Campaign, To Antietam Creek will set the standard for many, many years to come." (Thomas G. Clemens, Save Historic Antietam Foundation). "A new and monumental study of the origins and initiation of the Maryland Campaign of 1862... To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862 is a tour de force which will stand as the preeminent and final word on the subject... A must read for any serious Civil War student interested in the crucial events leading up to the Battle of Antietam.
Reviews
"I knew from day one that I wanted to write a review of this book. But I think my experience as a long time Antietam Battlefield volunteer and guide who has walked the battlefields of the Maryland Campaign, give me a different and useful perspective from the usual rank and file book reviewer. Like this book, I attempt to interpret the Maryland Campaign and Battle of Antietam objectively and factually. But the book's completeness, numerous insights, deep analysis and great stories will add a new richness and depth to my tours and programs that I would not otherwise have had I not read the book. I can now say unequivocally that this is the best book I have ever read on the Maryland Campaign. And I have read many books. And we learn that there were several very good Union cavalry regiments that fought well in the Campaign and they are not the ones who fought their way out of Harpers Ferry. You will miss out if you skip them. To some who would dismiss this book as just a story of the events up to Antietam, I would answer that this book is a necessarily foundation to understanding the tactical battle that Hartwig will treat us to when the second volume comes out. If you want to learn more about the Maryland Campaign than you can from any other book, you must move this one to the top of your reading list. If you have hesitated to get this book because of its massiveness, get over it and buy the book. From the first to the last, To Antietam Creek will reward you with the best-told story of the Maryland Campaign ever produced."
"To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, D. Scott Hartwig, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012, 8 black and white images, 17 maps, 3 appendices, bibliographic notes, essay on notes, index, 794pp., $49.96. Both literally and figuratively, all other treatments of The Antietam Campaign may well stand in the shadow of Scott Hartwig's To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862. Tom Clemens of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation states "By far the best work done on the Maryland Campaign ."
"Although I do not count myself as a fan of George McClellan, I do submit that it is time to take a closer look at his tenure with the Army of the Potomac and, if merited, challenge the conventional wisdom that surrounds and informs the historical view of his generalship. However, Hartwig is not afraid to level criticism when it is due and McClellan (often), along with Burnside, Franklin, Hooker, Lee, Miles and others are rightly taken to task when the occasion warrants it. Furthermore, Hartwig led me to truly appreciate the outstanding performance of Lafayette McLaws in relation to Harper's Ferry and to grasp the extent that William Franklin's loss of moral courage helped to seal the garrison's doom. Finally, Hartwig's writing with regard to the eve of battle is a thing of beauty--it compares favorably to Bruce Catton's work in Mr. Lincoln's Army (to me thre is no higher praise) and paints a picture of a night of foreboding before that which was arguably the worst day in American history."
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Best Civil War Bull Run History

Return to Bull Run: The Campaign and Battle of Second Manassas
"This comprehensively researched, well-written book represents the definitive account of Robert E. Lee’s triumph over Union leader John Pope in the summer of 1862. . Lee's strategic skills, and the capabilities of his principal subordinates James Longstreet and Stonewall Jackson, brought the Confederates onto the field of Second Manassas at the right places and times against a Union army that knew how to fight, but not yet how to win.
Reviews
"I simply cannot imagine any better books written on either First Manassas or Second Manassas."
"As a native Virginian, I am enamored with the Civil War."
"It had one strange omission that I almost never see in military history books: John Hennessy never gives us the 'big numbers'!"
"Pompous (bragged about his military "exploits" in the West), foul-mouthed (used the Lord's name in vain when referring to McDowell), and impatient (Phil Kearney, an able Northern general, tired of Pope's orders for impetuous and fruitless marches that only served to tire the troops). Hennessy is fair with leaders, both North and South and his narrative is excellent - while, he is obviously a learned man with a deep knowlege of the battle, the author does not bore the reader with tedious details and dry narrative."
"An informative and detailed analysis that never loses focus on the subject matter and brings to life the campaign that brought Robert E. Lee to the beginning of his military career with the Army of Northern Virginia."
"Return to Bull Run is not only the book most often referenced by the Rangers and Volunteers at the battlefield, but also one of the most thorough, readable, and entertaining battle studies I've experienced."
"I enjoyed the detail along with the coverage of the whole of the campaign."
"A great book by a superb historian and storyteller."
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Best Civil War Appomattox History

Civil War Volumes 1-3 Box Set
Foote's comprehensive history of the Civil War includes three compelling volumes: Fort Sumter to Perryville, Fredericksburg to Meridian, and Red River to Appomattox. "Anyone who wants to relive the Civil War, as thousands of Americans apparently do, will go through this volume with pleasure.... Years from now, Foote's monumental narrative most likely will continue to be read and remembered as a classic of its kind." "I have never read a better, more vivid, more understandable account of the savage battling between Grant's and Lee's armies.... Foote stays with the human strife and suffering, and unlike most Southern commentators, he does not take sides. “Here, for a certainty, is one of the great historical narratives of our century, a unique and brilliant achievement, one that must be firmly placed in the ranks of the masters.”—Van Allen Bradley, Chicago Daily News “A stunning book full of color, life, character and a new atmosphere of the Civil War, and at the same time a narrative of unflagging power. Years from now, Foote’s monumental narrative most likely will continue to be read and remembered as a classic of its kind.”— New York Herald Tribune Book Review “To read this great narrative is to love the nation—to love it through the living knowledge of its mortal division. Whitman, who ultimately knew and loved the bravery and frailty of the soldiers, observed that the real Civil War would never be written and perhaps should not be.
Reviews
"It is extremely rare to find a book so compelling you can't wait to get back to it and I spite of knowing the ending the tears for all concerned won't stop flowing."
"Shelby Foote is a great story teller and does an excellent job of bring the civil war to life."
"Each time I read the trilogy I came away with a greater appreciation of the literary genius of Shelby Foote."
"Very detailed and informative!"
"Son was overjoyed to receive book 3."
"Devil's in the details, and this compilation has so much detail your brain will explode with historical references."
"Mr. Foote has been able to capture like noone else I have ever read, the tedium and the terror; the honor and the bravery; the reason and the reluctance; the endlessness and the necessity of our civil war."
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