The American Civil War

by Peter J. Parish

Originally published in 1975, this assessment of the American Civil War is a broad treatment of the war as a major historical event, set in the context of a detailed picture of two governments, economies and societies at war. It discusses many controversial topics - the uncertainty and hesitation that surrounded the origins of the war, for example, its economic impact, the Radicals and their relationship with Lincoln and reconstruction as a wartime issue. It offers acute analysis of Lincoln’s political skills, and an evaluation of emancipation and Lincoln’s approach to it; the problems and performance of the opposition during the war; international reactions; an assessment of some of the leading generals like McClellan and Lee and the impact of the war on both Southern and Northern society.

Genres: History

Hardcover

First published May 1, 1975

Reviews

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an underappreciated book, perhaps because it is 700+ pages long and sometimes dense, perhaps because so many popular one-volume narrative histories of the war shortly followed it, and probably in no short measure because the author isn't American. In any event, the book is thorough, scholarly and very well written--giving careful attention to all aspects of the conflict and the era (although some readers may find disappointing the relatively little space devoted to the combat itself). As might be expected from a European historian, the strength of the book is his treatment of Europe's role in the war, especially as a theater for economic and diplomatic battles.

The bibliographical essay at the end of the book is an excellent assessment of the literature as of 1975.