This book was a required supplemental text for my class on the American Civil War and Reconstruction. In a series of essays covering the years 1848-1877, various historians put their spin on the events in the United States during these years. These essays include everything from secessionists, the life of the slave, and the life of the soldier during and after the war. For anyone interested in this period of American history this should be on your list. However, for those who wish to further their knowledge of this subject I would strongly recommend that this should be read along with a book that covers the course of the Civil War era in American history. James McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era would be an excellent choice.

A compilation of very intriguing theories on the events leading up to the American civil war. The regional lines of distinction in economic, cultural, and social institutions inevitably led to a civil war or as as us southrons like to say the war of northern aggression and southern succession. This book offers a great lesson of history for present and future generations.

IT WAS INTERESTING BUT VERY LENGTHY IN DETAIL. I THOUGHT IT WAS UNNECESSARY TO HAVE ALL OF THE EXTRA STUFF. OVERALL I THOUGHT IT WAS OK.