Posted on 01/28/2009 4:55:40 PM PST by sonrise57
Hi All, I just finished reading "The Last Full Measure". I am putting together my 2009 reading plan and I want to start on another Civil War work. What are you all reading these days. Those of you who are civil war buffs . . . what should I put on my list for this year.
I assume you've read "Killer Angels"?
It's actually a quartet. He also wrote "The Darkest Days of the War: The Battles of Iuka and Corinth".
Adding that to my list.
For a different take, you could always try Guns of the South, by Harry Turtledove. It’s alternative history, but reading it will make you curious about the historical individuals who are characters in the book.
“If The South Had Won The Civil War”
Grants falls off his horse in a drunken stupor, cracks his skull and the whole course of history is changed.....:)
Yes, I’ve read that and God’s and Generals.
‘The Black Flower’ by Howard Bahr
‘Destruction and Reconstruction’ by Richard Taylor, Lieutenant-General in the Confederate Army.
Well if you’re looking for recommendations on non-fiction then you’re really asking too broad a question. All phases of the War of the Rebellion have been documented extensively. My suggestion would be to pick a specific battle or campaign and start reading up on that.
To understand the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, might I suggest Debris of Battle by Gerald A. PattersonIt gives a fairly grim synopsis of what Gettysburg was like after the battle.
For something fun but pretty detailed about the units involved and the possibilities read an alternative history: “Gettysburg” by Newt Gingrich and William Fortchen(sp?)
They also have a follow up book I think.
"Days of Glory: The Army of the Cumberland, 1861 - 1864" by Larry J. Daniel. The Army of the Cumberland was the one commanded by Buell, Rosecrans and later Thomas. It's probably the best of the three Union army histories. IMHO, of course.
"Nothing But Victory: The Army of the Tennessee, 1861 - 1685" by Steven E. Woodworth. This was Grant and Sherman's army. Not a bad read at all.
"The Sword of Lincoln: The Army of the Potomac, 1861-1865" by Jeffry D. Wert. An average history of the primary Union army. Not bad, but not outstanding either. The weakest of the three.
For the South, I highly recommend "General Lee's Army: From Victory to Collapse" by Joseph Glatthar. A very interesting history in that it concentrates on the soldiers, the officers, the leaders, relations with civilians, arms, etc. rather than the individual battles in any detail. It and "Days of Glory" are the best of the bunch.
Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.