The Civil War For Dummies [Paperback]

Keith D. Dickson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764552449 | ISBN-13: 978-0764552441 | Publication Date: March 15, 2001 | Edition: 1

The Civil War was America’s trial by fire; its battles forged the nation we know today. We’re still fascinated with it – the national reckoning with slavery, the legendary generals and leaders, the epic and bloody clashes of armies, the impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. We visit its battlefields – mostly idyllic patches of countryside near small towns and creeks – where more Americans died in combat than in all other wars combined, except for World War Two. And we tell its stories – of last charges, brother fighting brother, imprisonment and emancipation, and tragedy and rebirth. It is our country’s epic; the story of how we became who we are, and what price we paid.

The Civil War For Dummies is your complete introduction to this seminal conflict. Eschewing tedious historical pondering and military micro-analysis, this fun and information-rich guide gives an accurate overview of the event, from the war’s causes through the fighting to the aftermath. Inside you’ll discover:

• 1850-1860: what led to war
• First Bull Run: illusions lost
• Antietam: the bloodiest day
• The Emancipation Proclamation
• Heroes and goats of each major battle
• Jackson’s Valley Campaign
• Sherman’s March to the Sea
• Surrender at Appomattox
• And much more

Full of sidebars and illustrations, The Civil War For Dummies brings history to life with personalities, factoids, battle reports, strategic maps, and “what ifs.” In addition to the military and political history, you’ll also find out about:

• The African American experience in the war
• Women and the Civil War
• Native Americans and the war
• The life of the common soldier
• Banking and finance systems and the war
• “Firsts” that make the Civil War history’s first modern war
• Civil War food
• Civil War tourism: the best battlefields to visit, and how to get the most out of your trip

Written in an accessible style so you can start reading at any point in the story, The Civil War For Dummies makes a great cornerstone for learning about this violent and compelling chapter of American history.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Includes maps of major battles and photos

The leaders, the politics, the battles, the soldiers — all brought vividly to life The Civil War changed everything in America. What really happened? Packed with fascinating anecdotes, fun facts, and top ten lists, this friendly reference clues you in on the issues that caused the war and gives you the scoop on the people, politics, and battles that decided its outcome.

Discover how to: Understand the causes of the war Trace the major military campaigns Evaluate the generals and leaders Discover the war's impact on women, African Americans, and American Indians Visit battlefields and see reenactments

The Dummies Way^™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily^™ e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers

About the Author

Keith D. Dickson is an associate professor of Military Studies at the Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University. He earned his Ph.D. in American history at the University of Virginia and is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets).

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (March 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552449
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552441
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, Terrific Writing Style - A Must Buy for Everyone, March 22, 2001

By 

Skip Gibson (Bethesda, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Civil War For Dummies (Paperback)

Dr. Keith Dickson has provided us with a well written, easy to read book on the Civil War which is a must read for everyone - to include history addicts such as myself. This inspiring book is an exceptional tribute to our soldiers and leaders and the sacarifices they made for our nation. Keith Dickson has written an inspiring, sad, educational, and fitting tribute of ordinary people placed in extordinary situations. His insightful writing weaves the inspirational story of the Civil War into easily understood sections, which permits the reader to start and stop at easily defined areas.

This book captures the essence of the battles, the thinking of the leadership, the mood of north and south, and the deep division which occurred. The histories themselves are brutally honest and moving. There are no false notes; the book is as much a testimony to the dignity and heroism of its subjects as it is to the horror of war. This is not your typical "dummies book" but a strongly felt and well-written entry among a spate of books on the Civil War. I highly recommend this book for everyone and promise you will not be disappointed.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Civil War for Dummies, March 17, 2004

By 

Fooz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Civil War For Dummies (Paperback)

What began as a way to find out a little more about the Civil War has turned into a full blown passion. And what book do I thank for that? Well actually there are two. While reading Carl Sandburg's three volume bio on Abraham Lincoln, I realized I need to know a little more about the Civil War. So I borrowed a copy of "The Civil War for Dummies" and was hooked.

Because I read this book, it stirred in me an intense interest and desire to know more about the CW. Now I belong to a CW Roundtable in my area and I'm studying on my own different aspects of the CW.

It is a wonderfully easy book to read and get the very basics of the Civil War. From there one can move on to some of the classics.

I highly recommend this book for a beginning view of the CW or as quick reference guide.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!!!, June 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Civil War For Dummies (Paperback)

If you don't care anything about the Civil War, History, Strategy, Politics, Economics, Nationalism, or Sociology you will STILL love this book! This is just a great story about people and issues that could have been taken fom todays headlines. It also explains how many of the institutions that still affect us today (Income Taxes, The Two Party System, Modern Military Tactics, Centralization of Government Aerial reconnaissance, the Navy, Torpedoes to name a few) came about and why. It talks about such thing as Blacks who fought as Unions and Confederates as well as the Secession of an Indian territories as well. Also read U.S. History for Dummies and World History for Dummies both of which were Awesome!!! By the way did I mention that I hate to read?