Book Review: “The Civil War A Narrative” Volume 1 “Fort Sumter to Perryville” by Shelby Foote
If we went for a coffee today at Main Brew here in Fort Walton Beach, I might reach over to their bookshelf and show you this book.
How did I get this book?
At Main Brew. Gen and I are in the habit of going for a coffee on Friday mornings. A couple of months ago, we went to Main Brew and while waiting for the bathroom or for my pour-over decaf, I was perusing their lending library and spied this three volume set.
Always up for a challenge, especially if it looks interesting, I asked if I could take the set and Patrick, the owner obliged. I was supposed to take a book and leave a book. But, I took three books and left bupkis. We’ve been back a few more times and no one has said anything.
What’s it about?
The title gives it away. Completely.
It’s about the Civil War. The prologue gives the reader a backstory on both Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln and brings you right up to the moment that the war started.
His “narrative” moves quickly. He introduces the characters in a memorable way and shows how their very human character and frailties influence the direction of the events. It’s quite a window into humanity in a pivotal time in our American history.
This is volume I of a 3 volume set. This one was 810 pages plus notes, appendix and maps.
What did I think?
I loved it. I know very little about the Civil War. I had a cursory knowledge of some of the main characters, Davis, Lincoln, Farragut, Sherman, Andrew Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.
I loved reading the description of the various generals, their training, experience, the way they went about making decisions, their leadership styles and the outcome of it all. It was remarkable to read how their faith influenced their decisions. Some of the generals were pastors and preachers before the war started. Some continued to hold services during the war. Some avoided fights on Sundays.
I loved reading the correspondence between them and then with their government officials. I loved reading the anecdotes he includes from soldiers and how their actions or inactions changed history.
I loved every word.
But, I’m going to stop at Volume 1. It took a long time to read, and I don’t have as much time as I used to for reading. I want to read other things.
It’s a good thing I know where the next volumes are. I’m planning to return the set this weekend.
Conclusion:
Who says history is boring? Shelby Foote is an engaging writer. It’s crazy how ignorant we are of what has come before us.
Now, I want to go see some of these battlefields…
soon!
andy
