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The War Between the States: America's Uncivil War

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John J. Dwyer's highly valuable book is divided into three portions. The first discusses the coming of the War Between the States. Four chapters cover slavery--the way slaves lived, the political problems over slavery, how slavery in the United States compared to slavery in the Bible, etc.--while others cover nullification, secession, tariffs, and nationalism. Dwyer also includes several chapters on the different worldviews of the North and the South (it is here that his Reformed beliefs come out most clearly) in which the effects of the Great Awakenings and Unitarianism on American religion are discussed. Facets on events, documents, and important people add life to "The War Between the States." For example, in one facet parts of a sermon by John Jasper, a black preacher, are printed. Other facets cover the history of secession in America, the Enlightenment belief in a "social contract," and the influence of educator Horace Mann.

The second part of "The War Between the States" concerns the War itself, from its early days to its end at Appomattox. Dwyer keeps the pace moving rather than allowing himself to become bogged down in unnecessary detail. One chapter discusses the religious revivals in the armies, and facets cover such various topics as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," Cherokee general Stand Watie, martial law in Maryland, federal Christian Oliver O. Howard, and the rules of just war (the ones Sherman, Sheridan, and Quantrill disremembered).

The last section gives an in-depth look at Reconstruction. One of the strengths of Dwyer's book is that he does his utmost to be fair, and this trait thankfully shows in his discussion of Reconstruction. We read about the struggles of Southerners (both black and white) to get on their feet; the corruption of the government after the War; and the various vigilante movements that sprang up. Dwyer, of course, discusses the early Klan (as well as how it differs from the modern day Klan), but he also writes about the Klan's pro-federal counterpart, the Union League. Again, the facets are both diverse and interesting: some document the experience of black leaders, one includes the fiery anti-Radical speech of Benjamin Hill, and another covers the Congressional Minority Report on the Klan.

In the face of all the historical information, Dwyer never fails to remember that history is, after all, a story, and "The War Between the States" creates a sweeping picture in the minds of readers that will not soon be erased.

Finally, a general resource on the American Civil War that is not laden with politically correct, revisionist history. Amazing work!

By far the best complete history of the civil war. There were so many interesting facts that were never taught in school. The artist also captivated me with such accurate drawings of the people and horses in the battles. Very highly recommended.

This book is a well researched book exploring the mindset, the theology and the political ideology behind what led to the War Between the States. Not reducing it to "North loved freedom and good vs. South wanted slavery and evil" it looks more in depth at what was going on and how it's roots started in Europe and infected generations following the Founding Fathers. Then the author follows the war and it's battles to the end as well as telling backstories of men on both sides who experienced the war on many different fronts.
Finally Reconstruction is covered and how it and the result of the War affect us today.
I'd highly recommend this book.

John J.Dwyer's book is without a doubt one of the best resource books now available especially for home school types. Well documented, well arranged and well written. I especially appreciate the paintings of John Paul Strain. He is among the best WBTS painters of today. I have recommended this book to many friends who are interested in facts rather than politically correct revisionist falsehoods and out right lies.
Dale Roberts author of Tales of Travis Hawkins McCleod

The War Between the States is filled with well documented historical documents which helped me better understand the circumstances and consequences of the North's essential need for severly taxing southen states. How is it that the South comprised 1/5 of the population but paid 80% of the taxes which largely went to support the government and northern infrasture? General Lee set his slaves free while Grant's wife tenaciouly held onto her's. Lots of interesting revelations make this a must buy book.

If I could keep only one book out of the scores of titles in my library about the War Between the States, it would be this one. John J. Dwyer, along with several contributing editors, are to be commended for their monumental achievement in producing a book which gives a very fair and balanced account of the War Between the States - the good and the bad of both North and South - without the political spin which seems to be standard for most books about America's so called Civil War.

I must confess that I hesitated to buy this book at first because of the price. Now I wish I had gotten it sooner. This meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated volume is a complete account of the Confederacy and the War for Southern Independence with more information packed into its 700 pages than any five ordinary books.

The War Between the States: America's Uncivil War is a joy to read. One could well read it from front to back, cover to cover, as in most books. However, the layout lends itself well to browsing. The chapters and subdivisions make it possible to open the book at any point and immediately find interesting, well presented stand alone articles.

This is a reference book, used my many as a school textbook, that I find myself referring back to time and again. It is a treasure that I will always keep and guard jealously in my personal library.

J. Stephen Conn, Editor
www.ConfederateDigest.com

Civil War historian John Dwyer has written a comprehensive historical tome, in which he masterfully chronicles the intertwining causes, the important persons and events, and the resultant effects of The War Between the States. The book is well-written and easy to understand, providing a sweeping overview of the antebellum era, the incidents of the war itself, and the aftereffects, while remaining quite readable and engaging.

The illustrations (provided by renowned artist John Paul Strain) are beautifully done, capturing poignantly many of the important events of the war; the layout of the book is appropriate for all ages, remaining an exceptionally helpful study resource for serious scholars and casual readers alike.

Dwyer presents a balanced view of the two factions, leaving at the door blindly pro-Confederate sentiments, and depicting fairly and clear-headedly the pros and cons on both sides, while maintaining and defending well his position that the South was in the right. He lays out clearly the theological and ideological differences between the North and South that led, directly or indirectly, to the onset of The War. He profiles many of the lesser-known but note-worthy persons of the period, whose actions, ranging from military endeavors to poetry and song to espionage, played a significant role in the way The War played out.

All in all, this book is informative and interesting; it rekindled my interest in the era, and provoked more in-depth study of the period. Highly recommended.

There are several books that will truely open your eyes to the unashamed 'power grab' by Lincoln and his merry band of cut-throats...but this is one of the most revealing. It will both make your blood boil, and bring tears to your eyes. The callous attitude and actions of the Radical'Black'Republicans is despicable, their naked greed, spite, and aggression quite horrifying - before ,during, and especially after the conflict. This was Lincoln's War, and he could have peacefully avoided or stopped it at any time.... what a legacy!

This book is a very fair evaluation of the extremely tragic and totally unnessary bloodbath between the Northern and Southern States. This book documents that slavery was a very minor issue connected with this terrible, fratricidal war between the flower of America's youth. This war was totally avoidable since no other war, civil or otherwise, was fought to eliminate slavery in the Western hemisphere. The war truly was about overturning the U.S. Constitution and replacing it with a consolidated republic ruled by an all-powerful federal government.