5754. Ordeal By Fire The Civil War and Reconstruction Second Edition by James M. McPherson (read 23 Aug 2021) This edition was published in 1992 and is a superlative telling of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Since I feel I know the Civil War well I was more taken up by the account of Reconstruction. There are nine chapters on the coming of the war, sixteen chapters on the war itself, eight chapters on Reconstruction, and an Appendix giving a showing of how the Confederate constitution differed from the U.S. Constitution, the text of Jefferson Davis's and Lincoln's inaugural addresses, the text of the Emancipation Proclamation, and an excellent 52 page bibliography, as well as an index. If you only have one book on these subjects this is the book to have. ( )

A very detailed account of the events leading to the Civil War, the War itself and Reconstruction. The author has tried to present an even-handed approach, and has, for the most part succeeded. Still, the story clearly leans toward a bottom line assessment that the South lost the war but won the "peace," at least for 50 years or more. What is shameful is the willingness of both sides to treat the Negro as something less than a white. The more I read about the war itself, the more I'm convinced there were very few really good generals and, certainly not, Lee or Grant. Lee must have known he was beaten after Gettysburg, yet he fought on for nearly two years. Grant's generalship consisted of attacking even after brawls that cost him troops. No matter how described, our Civil War is one stupendous undertaking. ( )

I had to read this book for my Civil War undergrad class and I actually enjoyed it. It gives tons of information but it wasn't dull, like many textbooks you read nowadays. Surprisingly enough, I liked this one! ( )