Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War

Having recently completed a project on the American Civil War, I have to say that the "Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War" is hands down my favorite of the Civil War reference books in encyclopedic form. 850 pages packed with terminology, battle information, and all the critical dates. What I like the most though is the large amount of biographical information on so many of the key figures in the war, from diplomat Charles Francis Adams, Sr. to Confederate general Felix Kirk Zollicoffer, and most of them with photographs, to help put a face with the names. A wonderfully written and thoroughly researched book which makes every effort not to take a side, but rather to just provide all the essential information. Definitely a must have for anyone interested in the American Civil War.

This is a great volume for either the casual or serious student of the War Between the States. I first saw this book at the Jefferson Davis State Park in Fairview, KY. The Park Manager uses it to answer the many and varied questions presented to him on a daily basis. By the way, if you have a chance to visit this park, do so!

This is the best single-volume general reference work I have used on the American Civil War. It is comprehensive, accurate, balanced, readable, and well-illustrated. The articles are well-written and make for enjoyable browsing. I find it much more useful than Boatner's Civil War Dictionary (which is unbalanced in favor of Union topics and viewpoints).