Compact History of the Civil War

by R. Ernest Dupuy, Trevor N. Dupuy

Two of America's most esteemed military historians present a concise, fascinating one-volume encyclopedia of the Civil War which covers all the important aspects of the War from the brilliant campaigns and strategies to the mistakes that cost the South the war. Includes portraits of the great leaders.

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

490 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Hank Hoeft · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Shelby Foote's three-volume 3,000 page history of the Civil War, I thought I'd read the definitive work on America's most profoundly traumatic period. But I had previously read books by Trevor Dupuy before, so I picked up Ernest and Trevor Dupuy's Compact History. It is an excellent, relatively short (445 pages) history. As both Dupuys were retired U.S. Army colonels, the account is strictly a military history, and is told in a clear, straight-forward no-nonsense style--much like the copious maps they drew to accompany the text. This is contrast to Foote's history. Shelby Foote was a novelist, not a historian, and his "narrative history" bears this mark--it is immensely readable. But the father-and-son team of Dupuy and Dupuy do have their moments of poetic and colorful prose, also. I don't give very many books a five-star rating, but I think The Compact History of the Civil War warrants such a rating. I recommend it to anyone who wants a clear account of the military operations--east and west, land and sea--of the Civil War.

[Mark Blane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a book that would provide a general broad overview of the salient points and events surrounding the Civil War, and this book delivered fine. It moved fairly quickly and gave me a better foundation of the politics and strategy employed by the commanding officers. So, if you are looking for this kind of book, it is a great launching off point to other books that may peak your interest as you learn new information about the events.

The authors are fair and balanced in their approach, so you never feel there is a bias creeping in between either the North and South. This too is important as I wanted a book that would also provide a balanced view of the entire saga.

[Tom Darrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

467 pages of general introduction to the Civil War. Accurate and written in a style that your average reader would understand. I would suggest this book for someone who would want to read Shelby Foote's 3 volume series, but doesn't have the time or brain power.

[keatssycamore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too good, but if you are self-consciously aware of your Civil War ignorance, then it'll give you the rough outline of how it all went down.