the post war/reconstruction period was even more complicated that the cultural and political lead up to the civil war, which was obviously irresolvable without armed conflict. Id recommend Fateful Lightning, by Allen Guelzo, a noted historian that conservatives can read without wanting to throw the book across the room.
the book I most enjoyed in the past few months was The Civil War of 1812, by Alan Taylor. I had no idea how ignorant I was of that frequently overlooked period after the revolution and before the civil war. that book filled many gaps in my understanding.