Bruce Catton Trilogy

[azubatkin]

I just finished this classic about the Army of the Potomac. After reading several more recent books on the subject I must say that his perspective was clearly different, but his writing style was thoroughly enjoyable. They all read like novels.

They seemed to include more vignets than say, McPhearson's, but also more 'editorial comment' as well. It seemed to me that he felt that the leadership was more competant than other authors.

I recommend this trilogy simply because its a fun read, although it would probably be more meaningful to a veteran CW reader. Also, there are multiple copies available on Amazon at bargin prices.

enjoy,
Allen

[ewc]

A true classic! At the top of my list as Civil War favorites. Catton as a boy knew and listened to the stories of Union veterans. His complete admiration of these men comes through loud and clear; he is loathe to criticise the doings of the men in blue, lowliest recruit to commanding general- they had after all saved the nation at great harm and expense to themselves, and they were the men on the scene, who had to make the hard decisions and actions in the heat of fury and in the everyday of the times.

However, though adulatory of his subjects, he will gently get his licks in. Case in point- he obviously has a soft spot for Burnside the man, but when it comes to Burnside the general, his remarks are definitively of the stem of the rose and not the flower.

To both a newcomer to the Civil War and the grizzled vet will I recommend Catton's trilogy.

[gary]

Catton's trilogy on the Army of the Potomac was my first scholarly introduction to the ACW. His writing style of weaving first hand accounts into his narrative makes for a highly readable and captivating book. Kudos to old scholars like Catton.