Even though I've heard of Bruce Catton since I was young, for some reason I'd never read any of his work.

Recently, however, I saw an offer for a double volume of 'Grant Takes Command' and 'Grant Moves South' so I bought it. I am only about 100 pages into it, but is excellent.

Checking wikipedia, it seems these two volumes were written by Catton to finish a 3-volume series started by Lloyd Lewis (Captain Sam Grant).

Catton also wrote a 3-vol history of the Army of the Potomac and a broader 3-vol history of the Civil War (Centennial of the Civil War).

I'm wondering:

-- Are the two trilogies as good as 'Grant Takes Command'?

-- How is Lewis's 'Capt. Sam Grant'? If it's good, I may pause 'Grant Takes Command', find a copy and start with 'Capt Sam Grant'.

You might want to check out the trilogy by Shelby Foote too.

quote:

Originally posted by 2BobTanner:
You might want to check out the trilogy by Shelby Foote too.

Read that. It is excellent too. Thanks.

CoolRich,

When reading about that war, one can't go wrong with Any of Bruce Catton's works.

Bruce Catton's America is a collection of some of Catton's best writings and a good place to start. A trilogy that you mentioned in your post: The Centennial History of the Civil War is, at least for me, a great read as well. You might also find a used copy of The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War, also written by Catton. Finally, you might enjoy Bruce Catton's, Reflections on the Civil War.

I second the recommendations for Shelby Foote. It's just that Catton is Catton; for me, all of his works are worth the time spent.

Silent

I read both of his trilogies, but not 'Grant Takes Command' or 'Grant Moves South.'

His trilogies are excellent, among the best books I've ever read, and pretty much the definitive histories of the Civil War. A short reference in one of his books led me to 'Grierson's Raid -- A Cavalry Adventure of the Civil War' by Dee Brown, then to Brown's 'Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee', then to many other history books about the era.

I can't tell you about your first read, but I highly recommend that you continue along and get the rest of Catton's work.

CoolRich,

Perhaps you've done a good deal of reading on this subject already, but in any case here are a couple of other books that helped me in my studies:
Who Was Who in the Civil War
and to help me visualize the events of the war, the Illustrated Atlas of The Civil War, by Time-Life books.

Silent

Thanks all, I'm going to track down some of these other Catton works.

quote:

Originally posted by Silent:
Bruce Catton's America is a collection of some of Catton's best writings and a good place to start.

Don't have to look too far. I bought this book and forgot about it. I have never even opened it!

Catton's Civil War trilogy--Mr. Lincoln's Army; Glory Road; and A Stillness at Appomattox--should be required reading for every American. They are truly stunning. I dare anyone to read his description of Sheridan--riding back to the front at Cedar Creek from Winchester with his army shouting "Sheridan! Sheridan!" As he galloped on his great horse Rienzi--without getting goosebumps.

If you have any love of history, any love of your country, you will not regret reading these great books.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:

If you have any love of history, any love of your country, you will not regret reading these great books.

Well said.

I have these three, but have already told the wife that if she is wondering what to get me for my birthday, I'd like the some more of these books.

Heres a curveball. Consider adding James McPherson CW literary for consideration. I've had the pleasure of attending a colloquium in which he was the master in lecture. He knows the subject as if he was there...