Rating: 
Summary: Good 1-Volume Starting Point
Review: This book is a wonderful 1-volume history of the Civil War. It succeeds in many ways, it gives a strong historical base and perspective regarding the reasons for the war. It follows the war's strategies with great skill, and it looks at the aftermath as well. The book is a visual delight, with pictures and maps everywhere. As someone who has complained vigorously of the lack of maps in other war books (see my complaints about Keegan's World War I history), I was quite happy with the care shown in this area. There is great first-hand information on the life of the grunt. You really get a feel for what the war felt like, from a wide variety of perspectives. I also appreciated how the political/military relationship in the Union is covered. Lincoln did many things militarily due to political reasons. Those reasons are explained wonderfully. Two major flaws in the book. The Shelby Foote interview is a waste of paper, he comes across sounding like a senile old man in a wheelchair, rambling on and on. The other issue I have is the way Gettysburg is covered. In the book, Gettysburg comes from nowhere. Why did both the Union and the Rebels see this as a big battle BEFORE it was fought. What did each side hope to gain from the battle outside killing the other army? There had to be some overall strategy, but the book gives none. Overall, a great 1-volume starting point to learn about this time in American History.
Rating: 
Summary: Monumental work
Review: This volume is absolutely fantastic. And I mean everything: pictures, diagrams, maps, selected excerpts, citations, documentary, and of course description of war times, politics, people and battles. I have improved dramatically my knowledge about the Civil War; it's immeasurable size, cruelty and influence on American future. Reading left me simply shocked, full of thoughts about tragedies of soldiers and civilians being simply unlucky by living during these times. I truly recommend this masterpiece to everyone interested in this history.
Rating: 
Summary: The Civil War
Review: When I purchased the paperback I did not realize that it would not have the photos which the hardcover contained so I was disappointed with my purchase.
Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction - Visual and Literary - to Civil War
Review: When I was a boy, my father had a two vol. set put out by American Heritage called "The Civil War." Its words, pictures, sidebars, and maps helped instill in me a fascination with the war and history. Burns and Ward have done the same service for a new generation. This is a fine one volume treatment of the Civil War done in a most accessible fashion. The words provide a good overview and summary of the subject. What brings it alive are the many pictures, maps, focus subjects and commentaries in this coffee table book. The media and elements come together to fascinate and captivate the reader. This book is a companion to Burn's monumental ten part PBS television series by the same title. The book captures it's style well, and even uses some of the most memorable documents -- like the romantic and haunting Sullivan Ballou (sp?) letter written prior to the first Bull Run that foretold the passing of its author and a simpler America. Althought the material is strictly introductory, even the serious Civil War student will find fascination at haveing a story they know so well, so well illustrated and illuminated. Introduce your children to this book and watch them become interested in our country's greatest story.
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