I do recommend Bruce Catton’s books which I read as a child - it generated a life long interest in the Civil War. He seems to be a forgotten author these days much like the great Thomas Costain is a forgotten author on English Medieval books.
For those who like novels (and animals) about the Civil War I recommend Richard Adams’ “Traveller” about Lee’s war horse. It is an adult novel but told through the eyes of an animal. He’s the author of the classic “Watership Down” and “The Plague Dogs.”
Happy 4th, everyone!
I have read and own every book Catton has written. One of the best CW historian and authors ever. Had a chance to hear him deliver about a 20 minute lecture on the Fall of Richmond many years back.
I remember now why Catton was the guest speaker. It was in celebration of the return of the Flag of The Confederacy that had flown over the Capitol the day the Union Army entered Richmond. A Union cavalryman was first on the scene and hauled down the flag. He tucked into his coat and then sent it back to his home in Massachusetts. His family kept the flag. In the 80s, the Daughters of the Confederacy and the Confederate museum in Richmond got wind of the ownership of the flag. After several years of negotiating, the owners agreed to return the flag to Virginia. A family member turned the flag over to the Governor of Virginia, who then turned it over to the Director of the Confederate Museum. The flag is on display at that museum.
Catton then delivered a disertaion on the fall of Richmond.