The Civil War: A Narrative (3 Vol. Set)
by Shelby Foote

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Book Reviews of The Civil War: A Narrative (3 Vol. Set)

Book Review: SUPERLATIVE CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Summary: 5 Stars

In contrast to many histories which treat the western campaigns as occurring in the Shenandoah Valley, Foote gives equal treatment to the campaigns occurring in the western border states of Missouri and Kentucky and the Confederate littoral states of Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas in addition to the more commonly encountered battles of northern Virginia, the eastern border states, and the deep South. He even includes the action in New Mexico and Arizona! The book includes a complete description of naval action both North and South, the fresh water fleets and on the high seas. He explains social and economic aspects of the War on each side although necessarily the impact on the South was the most devastating. Local politics as well as cabinet level intrigues on both sides are highlighted along with diplomatic relations with Europe and Latin America. Although Foote's Southern perspective is apparent in his treatment of the Southern home front in Richmond and elsewhere, I did not detect any undue bias in favor of the Southern viewpoint as others have. I am willing to accept the author's claim to only have a viewpoint sympathetic to the underdog in the struggle. Undoubtedly, the South fought long, hard, and well and was finally exhausted and defeated by the the North's demographic and economic advantages. The maps of major campaigns and territorial changes are well done and save much confusion for the reader. I appreciated Foote including the military order of battle information helping to keep command relationships clear as changes were made.

There are a few very minor complaints to make. I believe that in a work of this length and comprehensiveness, notes and a bibliography would not only be helpful but are essential. At a length of almost 3000 pages, 50-100 pages of notes and sources would not be too much for the author and publisher to include and if one doesn't read these normally, their inclusion shouldn't bother anybody anyway. I understand the reasons given by the author for omitting his sources but would have liked to have them myself and am sure others agree. I also think that chapter length could have been pared somewhat from the hundred or more pages included within each chapter. Finally, I would have liked to have seen more photo illustrations especially portraits of the leaders mentioned in the book. While we all know what Grant and Lee and probably also Sherman and Jackson looked like, in a book of this length and topic I would have appreciated a photo gallery for those who are curious how Pierre Beauregard, Irvin McDowell, Leonidas Polk, John McClernand and others appeared during the conflict. The edition I read was printed in 1987 so perhaps more recent editions incorporate some of these suggestions. If not and Mr. Foote doesn't wish to devote any more of his life to this book, a competent research or graduate assistant should easily be able to incorporate some of these additions from Mr. Foote's notes and other available sources.

Summary of The Civil War: A Narrative (3 Vol. Set)

Civil War Books

• Subjects > History > Americas > United States > Civil War
• Military