The Civil War is the subject of the majority of my articles. Although I have come to know a lot of the information, I credit that to the following books. These books are not only rich with historical facts, but the authors make sure to keep them entertaining. If you want to learn more about the Civil War, these are the first books to read.
13. "The Killer Angels" -- Michael Shaara
Technically Michael Shaara's book is considered historical fiction, but aside from the dialogue, the events in the book actually happened. The book follows John Buford, Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua L. Chamberlain through the battle of Gettysburg. "The Killer Angels" won the Pulitzer Prize and was the source material behind the 1993 movie, "Gettysburg." (I also recommend this movie.)
12. "This Republic of Suffering" -- Drew Gilpin Faust
In her award winning book, Drew Gilpin Faust discusses not only how death effected the individual during the Civil War, but how it effected the entire nation. Over 600,000 men were killed during the Civil War, about two percent of the population. This amount of suffering was never before experienced and has yet to be experienced again by the United States.
11. "Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend" -- James I. Robertson Jr.
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson is one of the most interesting characters in the Civil War. His military genius was accompanied by many eccentricities, including holding his hand up in battle to keep the blood balanced. James Robertson is the authority on Jackson and his book is the premiere biography.
10. "Lee's Lieutenants" -- Douglass S. Freeman
Freeman's three volume narrative is a multiple biography of the generals who fought under Robert E. Lee. It follows generals such as Jackson, Longstreet, Hill, and Ewell from the moment Lee took command to his surrender at Appomattox. For those who don't wish to read three volumes, there is also an abridged, one volume version edited by Stephen W. Sears.
9. "A Little Short of Boats" -- James A. Morgan III
This book is a personal favorite of mine. It is a required read for prospective battlefield tour guides at Ball's Bluff and is also the most accurate and up-to-date book on the battle. Although the battle was small in the grand scheme of the Civil War, it is one of the most interesting. Morgan will convince you of it's importance in his book.
8. "Team of Rivals" -- Doris Kearns Goodwin
Goodwin's book focuses on Lincoln's mastery at controlling the conflicting personalities in his administration. Three of his cabinet members, Secretary of State William Seward, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase, and Attorney General Edward Bates were previously Lincoln's opponents in the Republican nominations. Lincoln successfully manages his former opponents into a team that was integral to winning the war. Portions of the book were the basis for the 2012 movie "Lincoln"(another recommendation).
7. "Tried By War and Embattled Rebel" -- James McPherson
You can't read one of these books without the other. In these two books, McPherson discusses the performances of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis as war time presidents. Although Lincoln had little to no military experience, he outperformed Davis (a West Point graduate, Mexican-American War veteran, and Secretary of War). However, even though Davis was outperformed, McPherson argues why he was still the best man for the job.
6. "Army of the Potomac Trilogy (Mr. Lincoln's Army, Glory Road, and A Stillness at Appomattox)" -- Bruce Catton
Catton's trilogy will count as one book, because they are best read in order. "A Stillness at Appomattox" was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, so if you had to pick one that would be it. Catton follows the Army of the Potomac from the onset of the war to Appomattox in a narrative that can only be matched by an author later in the list.
5. "Landscape Turned Red" -- Stephen W. Sears
This book is the best account of the battle of Antietam that you will find. Sears follows both armies from the beginning of the Maryland Campaign to the end. His descriptions of the fighting and events leading up to the battle have yet to be matched in detail and excitement.
4. "Lincoln" -- David Herbert Donald
What is the Civil War without Abraham Lincoln? Donald's book is the best single-volume biography you will find on Lincoln. This book will make you admire Lincoln's character even more than you had before.
3. "Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant" -- Ulysses S. Grant
Grant's personal memoirs were written in 1885 as Grant was dying of throat cancer. Following his death, Mark Twain published the memoirs. Grant's writing is not only acclaimed from a military perspective, but also from a literary one. This book is the best first hand account of the war you will find.
2. "Battle Cry of Freedom" -- James McPherson
McPherson's Pulitzer Prize winning book is considered to be the best single-volume account of the Civil War. Not only does McPherson describe the battles and campaigns, he also explains the political and economic sides of the war. If you only wanted to read one book on the Civil War, this should be it.
1. "The Civil War: A Narrative" -- Shelby Foote
Shelby Foote's monumental, three-volume narrative is the most important group of books one should read. Foote focuses mainly on the military aspect of the war, but he covers both major and minor engagements alike. If you are familiar with the Ken Burn's Civil War documentary, Shelby Foote was a major contributor and interviewee. Although the books are long, Foote's style of writing makes you want to keep going.
