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· 101 ratings · 11 reviews
Start your review of The Blue and the Gray (2 Vols in 1)
Apr 25, 2019 Jdb rated it really liked it
I stumbled across this book in an antique store several years ago and finally read it. What a treasure! This book is for those readers with a special interest in the Civil War, even though it contains some incredible observations. This book was published in 1950 and is a compilation of nearly 400 comments from a wide range of participants. They are taken from memoirs, letters, biographies, and newspaper articles.
This book differs from the usual high level narrative of the war in that it consists
I stumbled across this book in an antique store several years ago and finally read it. What a treasure! This book is for those readers with a special interest in the Civil War, even though it contains some incredible observations. This book was published in 1950 and is a compilation of nearly 400 comments from a wide range of participants. They are taken from memoirs, letters, biographies, and newspaper articles.
This book differs from the usual high level narrative of the war in that it consists solely of individual 'on the ground' experiences. They are often grim, sometimes grandiose, occasionally humorous, and always personal. They include military as well as civilian contributors. They even included letters from England as the Union and the Confederacy competed for England's support.
This author also wrote a similar book about the revolutionary war, which I will have to add to my list.
P.S.- for those ' lost cause' romantics who insist the war was not about slavery, I refer you to one of the first articles in the book: the declaration of secession from the state of South Carolina. There it is in black and white. It was slavery stupid !
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This is a book comprised of two volumes of letters, articles, and reports of battle written by participants ot non-combatant observers. These vignettes are often compelling and fascinating accounts of these battles. I have read several books by Civil War novelist Jeff Shaara, who is noted for his thorough research. I've heard him report that he spends 6 months on research for every 6 months of writing. So far, I have noticed that much of Mr. Shaara's research came from these battle accounts sincThis is a book comprised of two volumes of letters, articles, and reports of battle written by participants ot non-combatant observers. These vignettes are often compelling and fascinating accounts of these battles. I have read several books by Civil War novelist Jeff Shaara, who is noted for his thorough research. I've heard him report that he spends 6 months on research for every 6 months of writing. So far, I have noticed that much of Mr. Shaara's research came from these battle accounts since much of his dialog is verbatim from these writings. It has been sort of exciting to vindicate his honor through substantiating his research...even if it is all occurring only in my mind. ...more
Sep 25, 2013 Nancy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Recommends it for: Anyone interested in the American Civil War.
This was just the most amazing book. It sat on my shelves for a long time until my husband and I decided to read it aloud. These essays, letters and snippets of history were written by the ordinary soldier, if there is such a thing, and officers from both sides of America's Civil War. It presents perspectives of each side about the same battles and includes letters from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee. It is well worth the time and effort to read of This was just the most amazing book. It sat on my shelves for a long time until my husband and I decided to read it aloud. These essays, letters and snippets of history were written by the ordinary soldier, if there is such a thing, and officers from both sides of America's Civil War. It presents perspectives of each side about the same battles and includes letters from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee. It is well worth the time and effort to read of the "human" side of war rather than just the historian's stark figures or studies of how the battles were won or lost. ...more
1200+ pages of primary sources and first person accounts, this has to be one of the finest books written (compiled) about the American Civil War. This selection of material allows readers to see the era through the eyes of those who lived it. After a good one-volume popular narrative history, this should be the second book read by anyone interested in understanding the Civil War era.
Great book. Same format as Battles and Leaders, where the war is described from start to finish with short articles written by people that witnessed the event
Dec 03, 2013 Pat rated it liked it
A valuable companion to reading Team of Rivals in order to follow the Civil War, in real time dispatches,journals and essays,which completely evoke the temper of the times,just as Kearn's book brings Lincoln the man to life.The Blue and the Gray is a rich, uneven tapestry, told in many voices, by the actual participants of the war and as such is best sampled like a huge feast, in small portions at once. I found myself skimming thru sections that were drier than others and then following every drA valuable companion to reading Team of Rivals in order to follow the Civil War, in real time dispatches,journals and essays,which completely evoke the temper of the times,just as Kearn's book brings Lincoln the man to life.The Blue and the Gray is a rich, uneven tapestry, told in many voices, by the actual participants of the war and as such is best sampled like a huge feast, in small portions at once. I found myself skimming thru sections that were drier than others and then following every dreadful page of the Battle for the Wilderness or the suffering of the civilians at Vicksburg.I know I will refer back to this book many times over the years whenever I read another book about the War to get the 360 degree perspective that one can only get from those voices who have lived this hell.This book is the real deal by the real heroes,dead and living. ...more
Oct 06, 2015 Jed Summers rated it it was amazing
It took a while to get through this monster of a book, but I'm so glad that I did. It is a story that I wish every American had a better understanding of. It's also humbling to see this story told from the perspective of dozens of those who actually participated in the struggle. It makes today's troubles pale by comparison. Particularly inspiring are the accounts of those who were intimately acquainted with Lincoln, Grant, and Lee.It took a while to get through this monster of a book, but I'm so glad that I did. It is a story that I wish every American had a better understanding of. It's also humbling to see this story told from the perspective of dozens of those who actually participated in the struggle. It makes today's troubles pale by comparison. Particularly inspiring are the accounts of those who were intimately acquainted with Lincoln, Grant, and Lee. ...more
Dec 24, 2014 Walter Rabon rated it really liked it
Best thing I've ready on Civil War. Is chronological compilation of eyewitness accounts that tell the story of the war. Commager is a first class historian and introduces each account to provide background and context. Only a few uninteresting accounts in 1100 page tome or would be 5 stars! for sure!Best thing I've ready on Civil War. Is chronological compilation of eyewitness accounts that tell the story of the war. Commager is a first class historian and introduces each account to provide background and context. Only a few uninteresting accounts in 1100 page tome or would be 5 stars! for sure! ...more
Oct 11, 2009 Dick rated it really liked it
Two volumes written by Henry Steel Commanger - classic books. If you are a Civil War student and you do not have these books, your library is sadly deficient.
Two volumes in one book that examines the Union and Confederate armies of the American Civil War. It is a well researched and well written history of the Civil War.
Henry Steele Commager was an American historian who helped define Modern liberalism in the United States for two generations through his 40 books and 700 essays and reviews.
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