1864: The Civil War Awakening Library Edition

from Big_Bang_Gorilla

Being a very interesting choice of vignettes illustrating how a variety of Americans were caught up in the events between Sumter and Bull Run. The author is an erudite man who chooses his stories well and is capable of some marvellous turns of phrase.

from RobynELee

Excellent book filled with details about historical figures that, even as a history teacher, I had not heard before. Garfield's early years are heralded. What an interesting early career he had. I also learned details and anecdotes about several lesser known persons who were fascinating. One exam...

from ralphz

1861 was a watershed year, the beginning of Lincoln's presidency and, of course, the Civil War. This book explores the twists and turns of that year and how the whole (divided) nation was ambivalent about the future. Although the South was fighting for slavery (all the while denying it), and the ...

from statmonkey

Recommendation: If you have already read Bruce Catton, Shelby Foote or any of the other major chroniclers of the Civil War and are looking for a different perspective this is the book for you. If you are just starting out it will have less resonance, read Catton first and come back to this later ...

from Mr.Durick

1861 by Adam Goodheart describes America in the year that saw Abraham Lincoln elected President of the United States and the beginning of the Civil War. There is a lot of colorful detail about the people involved; I was particularly interested in Thomas Starr King. And there is a lot of colorful ...