The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War

This book is a great way to jump into the Civil War (at least it was for me). It has just the right amount of detail and allows me to continue my investigation (which was limited to the battle at Gettysburg). It came up a little short is style and approach but it gets the job done. Speaking as one who always wanted to give more time to this epoch but did not know where to go next, this covered the battles, the people, and the country before and during the war. It also piqued my interest in other battles and put a couple more sites on my "Must Visit" list. At the current price, it is a good deal and does what it purports to do.

The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War by Thomas R. Flagel was very informative and provided this individual with many bits of information that haven't been seen before. As an individual who reads twenty or more civil war books each year I would strongly recommend this read to those who desire those little bits and pieces that are not usually found in more well known publications. The book is well written and presented in very readable fashion. Well done!

American Civil War expert and history teacher Thomas R. Flagel wrote The History Buff's Guide To The Civil War as a guide to the most critical people, places, and events of the Civil War. Meticulously organized under over thirty headings to spotlight key facts and topics in an easy-to-lookup manner, The History Buff's Guide To The Civil War is accessibly divided into the main subjects of Antebellum, Politics, Military Life, The Home Front, In Retrospect, and Pursuing the War, with each section deftly and succinctly exploring issues with heavily researched, matter-of-fact directness. An excellent introductory guide and consultation reference for readers of all backgrounds, The History Buff's Guide To The Civil War is a welcome addition to personal, school, and community library Civil War Studies reference collections.

The writing in this book is eloquent, evocative, and brings the Civil War to life. I've given copies of this book to my daughters who are in middle school and high school as well as to my older daughter to share with my Granddaughter (they live in the south and this book contains truth rather than historical fiction). I would recommend this book for every student who thinks history is boring - so they can find out it's not.

Seinfeld character George Costanza asked the question "I wonder what it takes to be a Civil War buff?" This book is the answer. If you are new to Civil War studies, this book will help you make sense of all the information out there. Key figures, battles and social phenomena are explained in language that a novice can understand (after reading it, you'll finally know what a "flanking maneuver" is). He also approaches the topic with a touch of humor (his list of "ways to be a successfull re-enactor" is required reading as much for re-enactors as for those of us who question the sanity of wearing a wool tunic on a July afternoon). For those who've already earned their stripes as a "buff" this book is still essential reading. A fellow buff of mine and I have already had many lively debates about Flagel's ranking of the best and worst generals--George McClellan the second worst general in the war? Flagel makes his case, and whether you agree, disagree, or wish to drop a twelve-pounder on his toe, it gets the juices flowing.