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Title: Great introduction to the Civil War
Review: Having been drawn into American Civil War reading by what has probably become a rather routine trip through Killer Angels, Gods and Generals, Cold Mt. and even Shelby Foote's Shiloh, I followed the newbie trail and "discovered" this gem. Obviously, Bruce Catton was at the forefront of his genre, weaving meticulously footnoted anecdotal material with insightful historical analysis using a highly literary loom. His soldier's eye view, never straying far from the man in the trench, kept me involved and identifying. And the copious footnotes, far from being arcane, assure the reader of the authenticity that is lacking in Shaara and Frazier. 20th century rewrites of the 19th century soldier's perspectives are kept to a minimum, while the real soldiers are allowed to express themselves. Thanks Bruce Catton. I can't wait to get my hands on Volumes 1 and 2!
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