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From: lenochs%drcoa1.decnet@drcvax.af.mil (Loyd Enochs)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Book review of Foote's "The Civil War"
Message-ID: <1991May31.061517.13842@amd.com>
Date: 28 May 91 14:46:00 GMT
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From: Loyd Enochs <lenochs%drcoa1.decnet@drcvax.af.mil>


Since we have been in 'reading_material_recommendation' mode for a
while, I thought I'd add my two pfennigs worth:

Shelby Foote's "The Civil War".  I find this book to be the most
readable detailed account of the war I have encountered.  I am
currently two thirds of the way through this monstrous effort and have
been totally engrossed in it.

This book includes quotes from letters written by every level of
participant and spectator: Lee, privates, Jefferson Davis, Stanton,
Sherman, Grant, Bragg, Jeb Stuart, newspaper editors, diarists.

Also included in this book are the political reasons some decisions
were made (on both sides).  The discussion of the South's political
fractures is most enlightening, as it is conducted at a level of detail
I have never seen.

The strategy and tactics of the commanders is discussed at great length
(Gettysburg takes 150 pages) and from both sides of the line.  Foote
does not take sides: if a mistake was made, he reports it as a
mistake.

This is a very worthwhile read, IMHO, and is the perfect task to keep
you busy and informed for the summer.

Three volumes, 3000+ pages of text (indices additional).  Soft-cover,
large-format.  $22.95 each [more from your local PBS station 8-) ]

Loyd M. Enochs