The American Civil War (1): The War In The East 1861-May 1863 (Essential Histories) (v. 1) [Paperback]

Gary Gallagher (Author)

Book Description

Series: Essential Histories | Publication Date: January 19, 2001

The United States saw long-simmering sectional tensions erupt into fighting at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, in April 1861, beginning what would become the most cataclysmic military struggle in the western world between Waterloo and the First World War. This volume focuses on events in the Virginia theater during the conflict's first two years, highlighting Union and Confederate strengths and weaknesses, leadership and strategy on each side, and the ways in which events on the battlefield influenced politics, diplomacy, and debates about emancipation. Osprey Essential Histories are complete yet concise studies of each major conflict in history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Osprey should be commended for its publishing efforts here. The book has crisp, clear illustrations printed on glossy pages. The maps are like-wise clear and also in color, making it easy to conceptualize the troop movements described in the text, and with just enough detail fitting for this general survey... should appeal to the general reader desirous of a quick, yet comprehensive, treatment that may well stimulate further study." -Frank Piatek, Civil War News

From the Publisher

This unique series studies every major war in history looking at all the aspects of war, from how it felt to be a soldier to the lasting impact of the conflict on the world around it.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (January 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841762393
• ISBN-13: 978-1841762395
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,433,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best Essential Histories I've read. A great primer for the Civil War., May 22, 2008

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C. T. Hunter "chips_books" (Gainesville, FL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The American Civil War: The War in the East 1861 - May 1863 (Essential Histories) (Hardcover)

This first of four volumes focusing on the Civil War introduces the primary causes of the war and details the early campaigns in the Virginia theatre. An excellent primer for those interested in learning more about the civil war, this short book is easy to read and very educational. From Fort Sumter to Chancellorsville, this volume chronicles some of the most famous battles fought during the entire war. Also, some of the most famous actors of the Civil War are introduced and described in detail here. Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, George McClellan, and Stonewall Jackson are names most Americans most closely associate with the Civil War, and this is the volume to look in if you're interested in learning more about them.

Nearly all historians agree that the most pivotal point of the Civil War came during this time period, where the future was uncertain, and indeed the Confederacy seemed to be on the verge of victory, until Antietam. The famous "lost orders" of Lee's is one event that didn't receive adequate coverage in this volume (only my opinion), but authors are severely constricted to stay within the 96-page limit. All 96 pages were certainly needed here, and put to good use. Actually, by dividing the Civil War into four volumes, the authors are able to go into much greater depth than in some other Essential Histories.

As with all of the books in the EH collection, this book provides more than just details of the battles. Social, political, and economic conditions of the time are discussed in a fair degree of depth. Living conditions for both soldiers and common citizens are described. Nearly every page contains pictures, art, or diagrams that really help bring the history to life.

One of the most enjoyable Essential Histories I've read. Read and learn as the Army of the Potomac fiercely battles the Army of Virginia. Highly recommended.