I have just finished reading this latest book from Osprey publishing on the American Civil War. It is basically a set of essays on various parts of the war, from its causes to its conclusions. To say that this is the finest I've read on the subject would be an accurate statement.

Each of the sections of the book are authored by those who are acknowledged experts in their field on the various aspects of the conflict. This is not just a dry rendition as many American students have had to endure through history class in schools, but a look into each of the subjects in a thoughtful, and interesting manner.

There are sections on the origins of the war, the governments in control at the time, the available military leadership, the men who fought and died, the folks back home, a section on the war at sea, the war west of the Mississippi, espionage and military intelligence, the part played by Emancipation, the way that Europe saw the conflict, and what was learned from the war.

Each section brings various insights to play and does so by providing the viewpoints of both sides. This makes for a well-balanced look at what was the first modern war, where technology was brought to the battlefield in ways that had not been done before. It was the first war of the Industrial Revolution.

To say I found it an outstanding read and reference would be an understatement. It is brilliantly written and provides much greater understanding of what brought about many of the 20th Century in the United States. It is a book that is a must for your shelves and one that I give my highest recommendation.

May 2006

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