To get the question out of the way----I am wondering if any of you have read "The March" by E.L. Doctorow. I recovered a course that was on an old computer & decided to take the course. (Lectures & Notes) It's a Civil War (1845-1877) era course that is based out of Yale University & Professor David Blight. It was on Itunes, may still be, back in 2007-2008ish & I was able to purchase it with an Itunes card. In the professor's previous classes, he required the students to read "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara, which he suggested one ought to still read with the class. But with this version of his class, "The March" is required.
I wanted to hear from y'all what you think about the novel, "The March." I think I will end up adding it to my collection soon sometime this Spring. Thanks in Advance!
On to some enabling: New York Times & Some Detailed Picture Books
The New York Times: Complete Civil War
In this vast book, there are countless articles from the Times during the War---among other material. For example: Below is an article about The Battle of Gettysburg. The book is great for Primary Source Material. It came with a CD that would allow even more access to material, but I have misplaced it. I think it had a Civil War Strategy Game on it too, which, if I not mistaken, was fairly fun to play.
Page 247-Details of Wednesday's Battle. (July 6th, 1863) Battle-Field Near Gettysburgh.
The next book has photographs pertaining to the War varying from photos of Generals & Soldiers to Railways & Breastworks & so on. It is a heavy one---good for research & nice to have in a personal collection for sheer enjoyment. Complete & Dense to the Core.
Here are a few pictures from the book above:
Into The Wilderness
Washington At War (Sorry for the Blurry Pic)
The two pages above are a prime example of what the near 900 page book has to offer. With countless facets of the war to cover, it essentially leaves no stones unturned.
This book, "The Blue & the Gray" is very simplistic; it would be a good book to give a young man or woman who is just starting to read about the Civil War. It was one of the first books that I got when I became interested in studying the War. Though simplistic, it is one of those necessary simplistic books. It is a great go to book when looking for a short summary of a certain event or diagnosis of the landscape & economics. It has some great paintings to go along with a nice format. Easy to read & digest.
The book shares some quality detail & insight into topics like the economy. In my humble opinion, the best features are the maps & images, which are critical to a degree when starting out----of course depending on what type of reader one is or the age one starts digging & researching. I haven't looked at this one in some time, but growing up, it was one of my favorites. Always suits well to serve as a coffee table book.
The Economics of War: Railroads & The Federal Blockade
Below is a fine example of the art involved in "The Blue & the Gray" The Economics of War.
With a quote from the man, General Sherman, written in 1860 before the War. (Turns out he was correct)
The last book for now hones in on Soldier Life---Prisons----Secret Services---Hospitals. It is also a good starter book for anyone because it is easy to read & provides a lot of imagery with solid, valid descriptions. One of my favorite aspects of the book below is that it provides detailed photos & imagery of the soldier's equipment, be it infantry, artillery, cavalry or encampment.
Protecting the Rear of the Army For the March to the Sea. 1864. Officer's Quarters at Decatur Hotel. 1864.
Life in the Camp with Photographs. Mechanics of the IX Corps at Petersburg 1864
Notable Officers & Libby Prison Virginia. General Graham who was Captured at Gettysburg was exchanged & took part in the offensive assault against Fort Fisher, NC in 1865. Graham was wounded in the hip and shoulders on July 2nd and was captured. He would be exchanged for Confederate Brigadier General James Kemper in September.
It was books like these that I started out with when I began to dive deeper into the Civil War. & while I read & enjoyed these books, they help lead me to books like The Memoirs of Grant & Sherman & "I Rode with Stonewall." They also helped me find Authors like Sears & Trudeau & books like "Richmond Burning" by Lankford. I reckon each Student or Professor or Writer have their methods when it comes to learning & growing.
Again, like I've said before, this is a great platform to share ideas like these that come to the mind. So thanks for the work that has gone into this page & the involvement of the members. I hope you all can find some enjoyment out of the books I've shared above.
Take Care!
-----Michael
Thanks for sharing these books! This was really informative and helpful. I started on my Civil War obsession a little over a year ago, still a newbie. I just ordered the Photographic History of Civil War, The New York Times: Complete Civil War, and I Rode with Stonewall.
I’ve been curious about The March too as I’ve seen it mentioned in several places but haven’t taken the plunge. My “to read” list is so large... haha.