Skip to main content
Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
A different take on the beginning of the civil war and the fall of Fort Sumter. A little like the old TV program “You Are There“. You feel you are part of history unfolding. Not sure I would call it a page-turner, but I looked forward to opportunities to read it.
It presents the events leading to the civil war chronologically. Not just the thoughts and actions taken by the leaders like Buchanan, Lincoln, Pickens, Anderson, Beauregard, ect, but also those of soldiers, politicians and civilians such as Fire-Eater and pro-segregation activists like Edmund Ruffin, who tried stirring passion for secession with claims that the South was more oppressed by the North, than colonists were by the British. It includes excerpts from Mary Chestnut‘s Diary representing the attitudes of the southern Aristocracy. As usual, this isn't going to appeal to everyone. There are no real battles or heroics the Civil War is known for. At times the waffling, procrastination and indecision at all levels is aggravatingly frustrating. Regardless, I found it an informitive and enjoyable read.
It presents the events leading to the civil war chronologically. Not just the thoughts and actions taken by the leaders like Buchanan, Lincoln, Pickens, Anderson, Beauregard, ect, but also those of soldiers, politicians and civilians such as Fire-Eater and pro-segregation activists like Edmund Ruffin, who tried stirring passion for secession with claims that the South was more oppressed by the North, than colonists were by the British. It includes excerpts from Mary Chestnut‘s Diary representing the attitudes of the southern Aristocracy. As usual, this isn't going to appeal to everyone. There are no real battles or heroics the Civil War is known for. At times the waffling, procrastination and indecision at all levels is aggravatingly frustrating. Regardless, I found it an informitive and enjoyable read.
