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Summary: The greatest Civil War books of all time.
Review: Foote writes with a style that is seldom seen in non-fiction writing. This three-part series reads like a novel, yet has some of the most accurate and critical information I've read. I pride myself in being well-read about the Civil War, and I enjoyed Foote's books very much. I would reccomend this trilogy to anyone who is fascinated by the Civil War like I am.
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Summary: If your read only one thing, this is it.
Review: Shelby Foote shames all other authors and thinkers in his treatment of the war's history. Forget what you may have heard about him, regarding accuracy or pro-southern bias.His writing style is not only literate but engaging. The thousands of pages read like a novel, for it is a tale being told around a fire, not a dry rescitation of facts. If you have not read this and you claim to be knowledgable about the topic, you are lying.
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Summary: Foote is the latest hero of the War Between the States
Review: Foote's 3 vol series so well captures the pain, anxiety, joy and elation of the Generals of the North and South, that one can scarcely put the narrative down because of emotions that uncontollably well up in the reader. By combining official orders, letters home,diary entries and other sources, Foote colorfully illustrates the full spectrum of war, from military prudence to the demolision of humanity. The reader's heart aches with Lee's as, one by one, his Generals (his friends), fall. At the same time, the reader feels the sleepless anxiety of Lincoln as the North hoplessly gropes for a solution the "rebellion". Indeed, the reader will discover that Lee and Lincoln were giants among a host of heros. Names like Grant, Sherman, Stonewall and Forrest are known, but when the reader is finished, names like Sheridan, Thomas, Farragut, Halleck, Longstreet, A.P. Hill, Early and Stuart are also enshrined forever. Indeed, another name is added to this revered list, that of Shelby Foote. His account ensures the American Story is permanently welded in our hearts with all the emotions it deserves.
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Summary: one of the greatest pieces i have ever read!!
Review: shelby foote has shown that he is the premier writer of this century..though his modesty wouldnt permit him saying that..i think he far surpasses all his mentors..percy,faulkner included!!!!
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Summary: A gripping and fast paced tale of our greatest challenge.
Review: Shelby Foote has compiled a gripping narrative of the greatest challenge this country has faced. Told in a way that looks at all perspectives, from the home-front, the politicians, the soldiers, to the generals, both North and South. This series of books is a must read for anyone interested in the civil war.
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Summary: Foote provides vivid writing rarely seen in non-fiction.
Review: Shelby Foote's Civil War trilogy is a masterpiece. Foote's genius is his ability to recognize the structure and the "plot" of history. He dedicates himself to recounting not only the truth sought by historians, but the Truth sought by artists as well. Lincoln and Davis, Grant and Lee, and scores of others are brought to life in these three books. The pleasures in this trilogy are not reserved for Civil War buffs. While certainly no Civil War enthusiast should fail to read Foote's Narrative, these books provide the reader with epic storytelling, and the appeal of the Narrative is a great deal broader than its title might at first suggest. Non-fiction is too often bloodless and detached. Foote's Narrative is as engaging as any well-written novel.
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Summary: American Iliad and Odyssey
Review: With the passage of time, the American Civil War has passed into our national consciousness as myth - an event which is central to the definition of our character. Shelby Foote, with the completion of his epic Civil War Narrative, is Homer to that myth. As Bruce Catton stated, the ACW is what makes American heritage unique - what sets our history apart from other nations. Foote's masterpiece defies characterization as a standard historical treatment - the literary value is equal to the historical perspective and insight that he creates. At a million and a half words it is far too short - but every tale is told just right, every character is given fair and illuminating light, every moral exposed to scrutiny. The fantastic human drama that was the ACW surpasses attempts at explanation in the end - as does all great art and human emotion - but thanks to Shelby Foote, we have a lasting description to pass on to future generations that is worthy of the tale.
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Summary: Best history of Civil War ever written
Review: First history of the Civil War I ever read by a southerner. Point of view is balanced from both sides, pointing out the highs and lows of leadership on either side of the conflict.Characters stand out as large as life. Lincoln and Davis are juxtaposed. Lee and Grant come alive. "Cump" Sherman is almost standing in the room. The heroism and foolishness of the war come down to us in reality. Could have had more about black troops, but provides enough to show the impact on the war. Perfect companion to Ken Burn's "Civil War" video. Have lost two volumes will rebuy to fulfill recurring taste for Civil War reading.
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Summary: Extremely informative and interesting.
Review: This 3 volume collection is a must have for Civil War fans. Shelby Foote does a terrific job at describing all aspects of the battlefield conflicts: the terrain, the strategies of the commanders, and even the feelings of the soldiers who fought. For a series of this length, it reads like a good novel; there were times I couldn't put it down.
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Summary: History as no historian could write it, outstanding!
Review: As a native southerner and educated in the public schools before integration, I thought I knew the history of the War Between the States, I was wrong. I had the good fortune to read this tome before Ken Burns Civil war series ran on PBS. The series is execellent ,but I had a much deeper understanding having read Foote's excellent history. If you are intersted in this portion of U.S. history you can't do better than this.
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