The Civil War for Dummies

by Keith D. Dickson

The Civil War was America’s trial by fire; its battles forged the nation we know today. We’re still fascinated with it – the national reckoning with slavery, the legendary generals and leaders, the epic and bloody clashes of armies, the impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. We visit its battlefields – mostly idyllic patches of countryside near small towns and creeks – where more Americans died in combat than in all other wars combined, except for World War Two. And we tell its stories – of last charges, brother fighting brother, imprisonment and emancipation, and tragedy and rebirth. It is our country’s epic; the story of how we became who we are, and what price we paid. The Civil War For Dummies is your complete introduction to this seminal conflict. Eschewing tedious historical pondering and military micro-analysis, this fun and information-rich guide gives an accurate overview of the event, from the war’s causes through the fighting to the aftermath. Inside you’ll Full of sidebars and illustrations, The Civil War For Dummies brings history to life with personalities, factoids, battle reports, strategic maps, and “what ifs.” In addition to the military and political history, you’ll also find out Written in an accessible style so you can start reading at any point in the story, The Civil War For Dummies makes a great cornerstone for learning about this violent and compelling chapter of American history.

Genres: Civil War, History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, American History, Military History, Reference

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2001

Reviews

[Susan Liston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your basic Dummies book, lots of info and easy to read. I liked the end of each chapter.."Heroes and Goats", summing up the effect of each campaign on those involved. Read it mainly as a review as I plan to read Ron Chernow's Grant and (finally) Team of Rivals hopefully soon...

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a dummies book & knew little bits & pieces about the Civil War. My first big complaint is the proofing done for this book. It was terrible. So many periods missing, wrong words used (by the end when I saw “of” instead of “or”, it wasn’t as distracting, but I was pretty done with it).

Feels like there is a lot missing. 1864 was very small and didn’t see much at the end of 1863...

It was helpful that I had recently read a book (historical fiction/romance) where 2 of the characters recently have come back from the Civil War & to see their reaction - like the one cut down all the peach trees after he was in Shiloh... (Brides Of Ohio, Jennifer A. Davids)

As I read, I found it was helpful to watch an PBS special (on Netflix) from 1990 on the Civil War. It helped fill in pieces and had more maps.

My 2nd biggest complaint is lack of maps! I don’t sit with my Book at iPad. To get more from this book, I should have constantly been looking at maps to see where cities were... first map like I want was page 168

Overall, good book to help get you into information on the Civil War and even ends with chapters on how to visit a Civil War battle field and which are best driving, walked and/or both...

Considering reading the following next since I should appreciate them more: Red Badge of Courage and Gone With the Wind. Hubby also suggested Killer Angles (Michael Shaara)

[Amy Vaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first "For Dummies" book! I just skimmed and read the parts in which I was interested in refreshing my memory! Getting ready to read "Gone with the Wind". I will keep these books in mind when I need a crash course on something :)

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't care what anyone says about such books. If your needing to either set out on a Civil War path of discovery, or jumpstart your old passion for the subject - than this a decent place to get you reoriented.

[Jaap Meindersma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much battles (both in reality and in this book) and not enough information on the political and societal side of the war. But it gives a nice overview, while driving around...

[Sandy Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

[Malcolm Balster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did exactly what it said on the cover and provided a straightforward and succinct history to help one grasp the major incidents during the civil war

[Ayelet · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister bought this for me because she knows how much I love learning about the Civil War. As a total beginner's book it was okay but left me wanting to read at a higher level. There were also a lot of grammatical issues (mostly in the use of commas) and some glaring mistakes (like referring to Savannah, SC and a map showing both Augusta and Savannah in SC instead of GA).

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

gave me a pretty good understanding of what happened in the civil war but I find history boring so there you go. read it because i had to and now glad that it's done.