Bruce Catton: Reflections on the Civil War

Rating:
Summary: The Civil War Brought to Life.
Review: Even though history is all around us, it often seems to get bogged down in a lot of facts and figures at the expense of the people involved. That never happened with Bruce Catton and that's the reason that twenty-five years after his death his writings are still The books on the American Civil War.

REFLECTIONS ON THE CIVIL WAR was edited together from a series of audio tapes Catton made on the subject. The book is Catton's last major work. It summarizes the war in a very thorough, yet humane way. In fact, it maybe the most human of all of Catton's books. Looking at the war from the perspective of both the common soldier and the average citizen, REFLECTIONS OF THE CIVIL WAR encompasses all the major events of the war and many minor ones. The book never seems preachy and though it quickly flows from one subject to the next, the storytelling never seems jumpy. In fact, Catton's brilliant technique breathes life into the history of the American Civil War; whether it's a major battle such as Bull Run or Gettysburg or a famous figure; such as Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, or President Lincoln; or maybe just the weapons used in battle.

This is a great book for any Civil War fan, whether a novice or expert. Everyone is sure to learn something.