House Divided (Rediscovered Classics) [Paperback]

Ben Ames Williams (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rediscovered Classics | Publication Date: May 1, 2006

First published in 1947, this bestselling historical novel is cherished and remembered as one of the finest retellings of the Civil War saga—America's own War and Peace. In the first hard pinch of the Civil War, five siblings of an established Confederate Virginia family learn that their father is the grandfather of Abraham Lincoln. The family's story, and the story of their descendants, is presented in this tale that includes both soldiers and civilians—complete with their boasting, ambition, and arrogance, but also their patience, valor, and shrewdness. The grandnephew of General James Longstreet, the author brings to life one of the most extraordinary periods in history, and details war as it really is—a disease from which, win or lose, no nation ever completely recovers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A highly absorbing book, especially the author's description of the controverted battle of Gettysburg." —Christian Science Monitor

"Continuously instructive."  —The New Yorker

"Classic historical fiction that you won’t want to end."  —Historical Novels Review

About the Author

Ben Ames Williams was the author of 30 novels, including All the Brothers Were Valiant, Come Spring, Leave Her to Heaven, The Strumpet Sea, and The Unconquered.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1536 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556526199
• ISBN-13: 978-1556526190
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Civil War Novel Ever, November 22, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: House Divided (Hardcover)

I first read this book in College 20+ years ago and have re-read it several times since. Before the internet made it easier to find copies of the book, everytime I came across a copy in a used bookstore I would buy it and give it to a friend because I didn't want the book to languish on a bookshelf unappreciated. It is a fantastic novel the follows a complex southern family throughout the entire Civil War. Be sure to also read the continuation (sequel) to the novel - "Unconquered," which follows some of the family through the reconstruction period.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Civil War Epic Novel, March 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: House Divided (Hardcover)

This is the best book I have ever read. It has so much history of the Civil War and the reader will learn so much about this important time in our history. The characters are the pivot points for the telling of the South's history. Mr. Williams is really a genius in his technique. He includes political commentaries of the South from the perspective of the poor on up to the slave owners but done out of the mouths of the characters. He very concisely states the "reasons" for the war in a single paragraph stated several times and in different perspectives. He very exactly depicts the scenes and you truly can believe you are there viewing from afar and experiencing in reality the way life must have been for all the characters.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical fiction of the American Civil War, November 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: House Divided (Hardcover)

House Divided by Ben Ames Williams is an excellent fictional account of the lives of ordinary people experiencing the ravages of the Civil War in America. This rivals Gone With the Wind in its scope and character development. Of special interest is references to actual locations in Richmond, Petersburg and Williamsburg, Virginia. I did not realize there had been an edition printed in the 1980's. I have read the 1930's edition twice and would love to have a copy of my own. I'd also love to see this story on the big screen!