The American Civil War: A Hands-on History

By Christopher J. Olsen

Book Overview

Christopher J. Olsen's The American Civil War is the ideal introduction to secession, war, and Reconstruction. Beginning in 1850 with the mounting political pressures to split the Union, through the four years of bloodshed and waning Confederate fortunes, to Lincoln's assassination and the rise and fall of radical Reconstruction, The American Civil War covers the entire sectional conflict. It is The American Civil War 's ability to put the reader in the middle of unfolding events that distinguishes it. Whether it was the timing of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, the serendipitous discovery of General Lee's plans (found wrapped around three cigars) before the battle of Antietam, or the conspiracy of assassins that murdered Lincoln, Olsen's deft narrative reminds readers that chance and opportunities, missed and acted on, worked within larger political, economic, and social trends to dictate events. Select historical documents following each chapter further allow the reader to experience the war in "real time," putting him in the middle of the unfolding drama.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809095386
• ISBN13: 9780809095384
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Hill and Wang
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.1" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

This book filled in the gaps of my understanding of the Civil War

This relatively short book--included well-chosen documents, personal letters, etc...that finally made my confusion about the causes of the Civil War and beyond evaporate into understanding. I've read numerous books on the Civil War and this will be in my library.