The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Civil War (Complete Idiot's Guide to...)

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Summary: Complete Idiots Account
Review: As a history buff, this book intrigued me from the get-go. After minoring in American History in college, I was under the impression that I knew a great deal about the Civil War...I was wrong. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Civil War" clarified terminology which I was unfamiliar, showed battle maps that I had never seen, and offered up some quotations from a variety of participants in this conflict that were incredibly enlightening. This was a page-turner, which is not a term that I would normally apply to a history book, but the term is appropriate. I was very impressed with the author's attention to detail, and I came away with information on the Civil War that I never knew existed. This book made such an impact on me, that I am going to purchase "The Complete Idiot's Guide to American History". If you are at all interested in the Civil War, this could be among the best investments you will ever make in both time and money.

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Summary: The right place to begin for your civil war studies
Review: I bought this book because I didnt know anything about the civil war conflict. After reading it I had a basic understanding
about what it was all about. In addition to slavery I found out that it was also between states rights as opposed to centralized government. This book gives a good overview of the causes and results of the Civil War struggle in addition to insights on the personalities,generals and politicians of the time. From the opening shots fires at Fort Sumter to Lee's surrender at Appomattox. This is a great place to start if you want more information on the Civil war.

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Summary: WOW_ REVIEW
Review: This book really helped me out for my history project on the Civil War. The book had really great details about important battles, etc. in the Civil War. I highly reccomend it.

Rating:
Summary: Complete Idiots Account
Review: Very disappointing. This is the usual "virtuous north fighting to free the slave" dribble which considering his excellent works on WWI and the Revolutonary War is uncharacteristically shallow. Perhaps the conflict has become so politicized that only the bravest meet it head on. This is a turkey. Avoid it at all cost.