The American Civil War: this Mighty Scourge of War [Paperback]

Gary Gallagher (Author), Stephen D. Engle, Joseph T. Glatthar amd Robert K. Krick Gary W. Gallagher (Author)

Book Description

Series: Essential Histories Specials | Publication Date: June 20, 2003

Undoubtedly the most cataclysmic military struggle of the late nineteenth century, the American Civil War spanned four bloody years of fighting in which over 620,000 American soldiers and sailors lost their lives. From its outbreak at Fort Sumter, South Carolina in April 1861 until its conclusion at the Appotomax Court House, more than 10,000 battles, engagements and skirmishes were recorded across the length and breadth of America. This book explores the political, historical and cultural significance of the American Civil War, examining its impact on the civilians and military personnel caught up in it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

""A lucid and concise narrative of the campaigns in both the eastern and western theaters as well as penetrating analyses of strategies and leadership.Ideal for classroom use or for fireside reading."

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (June 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841767360
• ISBN-13: 978-1841767369
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 1 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #747,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One Mistake, February 26, 2007

By 

Ron (Jersey) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: The American Civil War: this Mighty Scourge of War (Paperback)

There is in fact a misprint on the chronology page. It is not the fault of the authors, as it was correct in the original 4 book publication. After that though the book is pretty flawless in terms of printing, spelling and dates. This is a clear and concise history of the American Civil War. It is broken into 4 parts. The first half of the war east and west, and the second half east and west. Besides facts on the battles, it also contains interesting information on the leaders of each side, as well as the common soldier. Also are eye witness accounts of several civilians of life during this time. It gives enough details, but does not burden you with too much information. This is published by Osprey whose specialty is military history. If you crave more information, they published literally a hundred books about the American Civil War from weapons to uniforms to individual battles. All in all, a good resource book that has lots of interesting maps and pictures and excellent authors.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, aside from the naval war, March 12, 2010

By 

James Pernikoff (Marietta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The American Civil War: this Mighty Scourge of War (Paperback)

I was rather critical of the sister volume on the First World War, but this volume is better. Considering that most of the better-known actions took place in the east, it is worthwhile that nearly half the book is devoted to the western campaigns. But since, aside from the unified chronology and index, the four component books are presented in their entirety, one has the unusual situation of finding Lee's surrender at Appomattox described with nearly 100 pages yet to go!

The illustrations and maps are probably the best thing about the book, along with the "Portraits", one of a soldier and one of a civilian, found in each section. These help humanize what was, frankly, a rather inhuman war.

My main criticism is one shared with the WWI book: a lack of coverage of the naval war. The ironclad battle at Hampton Roads is barely mentioned, and Mobile Bay only appears briefly under a photo of David Farragut. The infamous cruise of CSS Alabama is not mentioned at all. And the railroads don't fare too well either; the celebrated "great locomotive chase" does not appear at all.

Still, for a fairly concise, one-volume work on the War Between the States, this book is hard to beat. And if the occasional too-British nature of some Osprey titles is off-putting, not to worry: all four authors are American, and three are professors of history.

Incidentally, the error in the chronology mentioned in the prior reviews has been fixed: in my copy, Lincoln is only assassinated once, on the correct date!