None Died in Vain: The Saga of the American Civil War

I am a dedicated reader of Robert Leckie's works, and I was not disappointed with this Civil War history. The book weaves the political, military and social threads of the era into a fine literary fabric, though the real strength of this and of all Mr. Leckie's works is the author's ability to re-animate the characters. With few exceptions, he is even-handed and non-judgmental and allows the reader a wonderful intimacy with the famous, the infamous and the anonymous alike.

Leckie tells a very entertaining history of the Civil War with a good balance of biographies, battle accounts, Strategy, economics and politics. Lacking in direct references would not make it a good source for historical study, but its fluid and entertaining style makes it one of less dry historical books that i have read. Overall, it presents an excellent introduction to the Civil War, and to follow up reading of works such McPherson's, Battle Cry of Freedom.

Mr. Leckie is the John Keegan of America. His books about our wars are both informative and readable. Few author's have his ability with words to show you a person, a place and set them both into the full picture. I've purchased all of his books and have NEVER been sorry.

This is an eminently readable single volume covering the causes, background, personages and battles of the American Civil War. While less dramatic than Shaara's novel "The Killer Angels" it is equally absorbing. Moreover, it covers the entire war and a broad spectrum of subjects for that periodThe early pages deal in depth with the Spanish American War, but wisely so for that war was the prelude in many ways to the Civil War, both as to precipitating causes and for the generals involved on both sides.The author has not provided any references for the many quotations, letters and anecdotes that make the book so rich and readable. This lack will not be acceptable to the history scholar even though it is obviously well researched. But for an intelligent reader seeking insight and entertainment relative to five exceptionally eventful years in U.S. History , this is a winner.

Robert Leckie does an excellent job in providing teachers and students of American history with valuable information useful for research. The book is very informative and interesting to read. Any person who loves reading about this nation's past will find Mr. Leckie's book very enjoyable to read, and hard to put down just for a few minutes. With short chapters, it's easy to read on the run if pressed for time.