"James McPherson's fast-paced narrative fully integrates the political, social, and military events that crowded the two decades from the outbreak of one war in Mexico to the ending of another at Appomattox. Packed with drama and analytical insight, the book vividly recounts the momentous episodes that preceded the Civil War--the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry--and then moves into a masterful chronicle of the war itself--the battles, the strategic maneuvering on both sides, the politics, and the personalities. ...This authoritative volume makes sense of that vast and confusing "second American Revolution" we call the Civil War, a war that transformed a nation and expanded our heritage of liberty" - Amazon
Normally I wait until I finish a book before I post my thoughts. But I am now on page 454 of Battle Cry of Freedom (1988) by James M McPherson and this book ends at page 868. And since I didn't want to allow too much time between posts I decided to write my thoughts now.
Battle Cty of Freedom is a masterpiece. Winner of the 1989 Pulizer Prize for History this book covers the American Civil War Era from 1848 - 1865. I am so glad that I chose to read it because if I had gone with a shorter history book about the Civil War era I know I would have always wondered should I have read Battle Cry of Freedom? But now I don't have to wonder. I am reading what many critics regard as the greatest one volume history of the American Civil War era ever written and I agree.
At over 800 pages Battle Cry of Freedom is a long book. You cannot zip through it but it's not a chore to read. James McPherson has done an incredible job of research. But like all great historians he knows what to include and what to leave out so that Battle Cry of Freedom doesn't get bogged down in statistics and troop movements etc. McPherson is also an excellent writer who makes history come alive.
If you are curious about the Civil War era, which remains very relevant in today's divided America, Battle Cry of Freedom is the best book out there on this subject. 5 stars for sure
I love when authors can make history come alive like that. They are the best kinds of books. I hadn't really heard of this one, but it does sound fascinating. And nice that you can get such a broad overview of the Civil War in one book. I'm surprised he could do it in only 868 pages. ;D I'll have to keep this one in mind! Hope the second half is as good as the first.
ReplyDeleteIt gives you a broad overview of the lead-up to the Civil War starting in 1848. In fact one is about 250 pages into Battle Cry of Freedom before the Civil War starts. And in reading these history books I think it's important to keep a journal where after each chapter you write a brief summary of what you learned because otherwise no matter how good a history book we tend to forget most of it after a few months.
DeleteGood to know! I have not read this history yet but I gave it to my father back when I was a bookseller in 1988, lol. It seemed to be a major book at the time. I am glad you are enjoying it. Does it follow the era chronologically? You have given me the impetus to put it back on my list. thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely follows the Civil War era chronologically. And once you get into the war McPherson knows how to keep the reader interested and not get bogged down in troop movements etc. If you decide to read Battle Cry of Freedom I would love to read your review.
DeleteI need tomget back to reading more nonfiction. I'm going to add this to the list.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to read a few books of nonfiction each year and the great thing about Battle Cry of Freedom is that in my opinion though long it is the book on the Civil War era 1848 to 1865.
DeleteI will keep this book in mind if decide I want to read about the Civil War in depth.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I bought a copy of The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam at my local independent book store (plus several fiction books... they were having a storewide sale). This book by Halberstam is about the Vietnam conflict and is 700 pages long. My interest in that subject was renewed by reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. I think Halberstam's book will be good but I am also going to look into oral histories about that subject.
I must give Kristin Hannah another try. I did read part of The Great Alone but it wasn't for me. But The Women has gotten great reviews and I know so little about the Vietnam War. David Halberstam is a great journalist and he has also written The Fifties in which he takes a deep dive into the 1950s decade and they say makes that decade very interesting. It's on my TBR list
DeleteI love it when a history book with a very broad scope hits the mark. It's not that common. And knowing how to choose which book to read on an importnat subject is crucial. Well done on that. I want to read some non-fiction on WW2 next year so wish me luck choosing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in choosing and its another subject I need to read about World War II and there is always a definitive book out there on whatever history event we read.
DeleteYou are right, this book is an absolute masterpiece. I read it not too long ago, and I feel I could reread it and learn so much more.
ReplyDeleteI also found it really readable and accessible.
Agree its very readable and accessible and that takes so much talent to keep the reader invested for over 800 pages. As with many long books you have to pace yourself but once I finish Battle Cry of Freedom I will feel that for me no further Civil War history books is needed although I might try a novel on this period.
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ReplyDelete