Any Civil War Sesquicentennial Reading Recommendations?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:54:22 -0400

Looking for reading recommendations for both myself and kids (7-12 y/o) to conduct a self-study / reflection on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Right now I'm reading "Killer Angels" and would greatly appreciate hearing your favorite fiction and non-fiction books. Ideally we'll even squeeze in a "family staff ride" at an NC or VA battlefield this summer and I'd welcome any recommendations there as well! Thanks!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 10:56 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:56:57 -0400

You already nailed it with "Killer Angels", the other two books in the series "Gods and Generals" & "The Last Full Measure" are excellent fiction as well.

If your looking for something for yourself to read I recommend Ulysses S Grant's memoirs, they're not a total drag to read and reveal some amazing insight about being an officer and having to bear incredibly difficult decisions. I came away with a whole new respect of his genius as an officer.

The version I read was: "Grant: Memoirs and Selected Letters" Mary D McFeely, 1990.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Apr 25 at 2015 8:04 AM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 08:04:20 -0400

I read "Soldiers Blue and Gray" by Robertson, jr. For a Military History Course this semester. Excellent book. Robertson takes personal letters from both sides and categorizes them. It is a look at the soldiers themselves. No battlefield stuff, just the hearts and minds of Soldiers.

Have fun with your trips this summer.

Response by SMSgt Dan Powell made Apr 25 at 2015 10:00 AM

SMSgt Dan Powell — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:00:21 -0400

Captain, I am glad to see you teaching young folks about a critical period in our nation's history. Any of the books by the Shaaras would make an excellent choice. Father and son are outstanding historians/writers. Thank you for what you do.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 10:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:11:44 -0400

Thank you!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 8:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 20:52:54 -0400

Can it be a movie? Gods and Generals is an up close look at the leaders.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 14 at 2015 7:01 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 14 May 2015 19:01:45 -0400

The Shaara books are okay. Battle Cry of Freedom has become a classic as has the Shelby Foote trilogy.

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Jan 6 at 2018 11:18 AM

SSG Donald H "Don" Bates — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 11:18:08 -0500

I lost a grand uncle at The Slaughter Pen in the Civil War and would recommend (Probably for yourself) the book "Love and Valor" by Charles Latimer. This is a series of letters between husband and wife but what makes it so interesting for me is that the couple were living in what became my home town. In fact I went to school with descendants or the letter writers. I think you will find it informative of the early volunteers and the problems faced.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 6 at 2018 11:45 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 11:45:21 -0500

Historical fiction books on the Civil War by Ralph Peters. Also, Killing Lincoln by Bill ORiley. Suitable for adults.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 30 at 2021 11:46 AM

CSM William Everroad — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:46:22 -0400

Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick. The book is really good. Not to mention it showed the British that the Americans were able to execute combat engineering.