"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 and 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 throughit 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 Freedom is the best book out there on this subject. 5 stars
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