History Buff's Guide to the Civil War: The best, the worst, the largest, and the most lethal top ten rankings of the Civil War (History Buff's Guides) [Kindle Edition]

Thomas R. Flagel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War will provide a deeper clarity and perspective on every aspect of the war. The Second edition complete with new content and updated lists will have you debating the new and intriguing questions.

Product Description

"The single best kickoff to the American Civil War...I can't imagine a better guide for any of us, whether student or scholar."
-Robert Hicks author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Widow of the South

"A detailed and enjoyable set of facts and stories that will engage every reader from the newest initiate to the Civil War saga to the most experienced historian. This book is a must have for any Civil War reading collection."
- James Lewis,
Park Ranger at Stones River National Battlefield

Do You Think You Know the Civil War?

The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War clears the powder smoke surrounding the war that changed America forever. What were the best, the worst, the largest, and the most lethal aspects of the conflict? With over thirty annotated top ten lists and unexpected new findings, author Thomas R. Flagel will have you debating the most intriguing questions of the Civil War in no time. From the top ten causes of the war to the top ten bloodiest battles, this invaluable guide to the great war between the states will delight and inform you about one of the most crucial periods in American history.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1869 KB
• Publisher: Cumberland House; 2 edition (September 1, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0042JU7R6
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,109 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #5 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > History > Americas > United States > Civil War
  • #8 in Books > History > Americas > United States > Civil War
  • #10 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > History > Americas > United States > Military History

More About the Author

Thomas Flagel teaches American History at Columbia State Community College in Tennessee. He holds degrees from Loras College (B.A. History), Kansas State University (M.A., European History), Creighton University (M.A., International Relations), and has studied at the University of Vienna.

A national speaker, Board Member of the Franklin Civil War Round Table, and a Committee member of the Mayor's Battlefield Task Force of Franklin, Tennessee, he is currently working on two books involving Abraham Lincoln. Flagel currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.

Fast Facts about Thomas Flagel:
Originally from Iowa, he has a great great great grandfather who served in the 2nd Iowa Infantry in the Civil War.

His great great uncle from the 47th Illinois Infantry was killed in the Battle of Corinth.

Is friends with bestselling novelist Robert Hicks.

Once lived in Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Is an avid road cyclist.

Was motivated to move to Franklin, Tennessee after reading the book Five Tragic Hours about the Battle of Franklin.

Speaks every year at the Gettysburg National Park during the battle anniversary celebration.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to be a Civil War Buff, August 21, 2003

By 

Mike Bryant - See all my reviews

This review is from: The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War (Paperback)

Seinfeld character George Costanza asked the question "I wonder what it takes to be a Civil War buff?" This book is the answer. If you are new to Civil War studies, this book will help you make sense of all the information out there. Key figures, battles and social phenomena are explained in language that a novice can understand (after reading it, you'll finally know what a "flanking maneuver" is). He also approaches the topic with a touch of humor (his list of "ways to be a successfull re-enactor" is required reading as much for re-enactors as for those of us who question the sanity of wearing a wool tunic on a July afternoon). For those who've already earned their stripes as a "buff" this book is still essential reading. A fellow buff of mine and I have already had many lively debates about Flagel's ranking of the best and worst generals--George McClellan the second worst general in the war? Flagel makes his case, and whether you agree, disagree, or wish to drop a twelve-pounder on his toe, it gets the juices flowing.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable and Informative Read, October 21, 2004

By 

Carlton R. Csiki (Willington, Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War (Paperback)

The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War by Thomas R. Flagel was very informative and provided this individual with many bits of information that haven't been seen before.

As an individual who reads twenty or more civil war books each year I would strongly recommend this read to those who desire those little bits and pieces that are not usually found in more well known publications.

The book is well written and presented in very readable fashion.

Well done!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Making history fun to learn, September 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War (Paperback)

The writing in this book is eloquent, evocative, and brings the Civil War to life. I've given copies of this book to my daughters who are in middle school and high school as well as to my older daughter to share with my Granddaughter (they live in the south and this book contains truth rather than historical fiction). I would recommend this book for every student who thinks history is boring - so they can find out it's not.