lenochs%drcoa1.decnet@drcvax.af.mil (Loyd Enochs) (05/28/91)
From: Loyd Enochs <lenochs%drcoa1.decnet@drcvax.af.mil> Since we have been in 'reading_material_recommendation' mode for a while, I thought I'd add my two pfennigs worth: Shelby Foote's "The Civil War". I find this book to be the most readable detailed account of the war I have encountered. I am currently two thirds of the way through this monstrous effort and have been totally engrossed in it. This book includes quotes from letters written by every level of participant and spectator: Lee, privates, Jefferson Davis, Stanton, Sherman, Grant, Bragg, Jeb Stuart, newspaper editors, diarists. Also included in this book are the political reasons some decisions were made (on both sides). The discussion of the South's political fractures is most enlightening, as it is conducted at a level of detail I have never seen. The strategy and tactics of the commanders is discussed at great length (Gettysburg takes 150 pages) and from both sides of the line. Foote does not take sides: if a mistake was made, he reports it as a mistake. This is a very worthwhile read, IMHO, and is the perfect task to keep you busy and informed for the summer. Three volumes, 3000+ pages of text (indices additional). Soft-cover, large-format. $22.95 each [more from your local PBS station 8-) ] Loyd M. Enochs
Bob.Underdown@f1040.n391.z1.FidoNet.Org (Bob Underdown) (06/03/91)
From: Bob.Underdown@f1040.n391.z1.FidoNet.Org (Bob Underdown) You might also consider reading SOLDIERS: BLUE AND GRAY by James I. Robertson. It's a "true-to-life recreation of the common-soldier's experience in the American Civil War". Warner Books $12.95 It's really quite good, most of it information gleamed from old diarys and letters.