Best book for beginners

[Quantrill's Missouri]

I watch a lot of American Battlefield Trust and The History Underground and I am trying to really buckle down and learn the Civil War. I realize just how complex it is and 80% of it goes over my head. I mean the shooting, firing and killing is pretty easy to learn, naturally. But the battalions, batteries, regiments, cavalries, infantries, etc., etc., go on forever. Is there any book or books that a novice like myself can ease into learning all of this without being so overwhelmed? I know it takes tons of study and attention, but how can I start to grip of all this? I don't need to know the places really, it's trying to follow those AT the places.
And...should I watch the two aforementioned channels from beginning to end?

 

[Bill Mountjoy]

"War Between the States" by John J. Dwyer = (682 pages) non-biased & fair treatment of both North & South!

 

[irishman23]

I recently published a book on Amazon called Stories From the Antietam Campaign: A Historical Remembrance. I also have a trailer for the book at 5 Star Book Trailers on YouTube in case anyone would like to see it. Please excuse me if I am being too forward by announcing the book on this forum. However, if I don't tell anyone about it no one will ever know and I believe my book deserves a better fate. I have written a total of five books and coauthored another 22. However, these books are about baseball, not the Civil War. That being said I have Civil War Times Illustrated that date back to the late 1960's. I also have an extensive library on a variety of historical topics. I don't write my books for monetary gain, I do it because I enjoy the work. In fact, I have never asked anyone to buy any of my books. I tell them about my work and leave it up to the person as to whether they are interested or not. My Antietam book came out late last year. The gentleman who operates the Civil War Books and Authors site was kind enough to post my book when it came out but it has never been mentioned on any other sites or forums. My Antietam book starts with a brief synopsis of the campaign followed by 40 short stories and vignettes. I realize that with so many fantastic researchers/historians on this forum, my book may not appeal to everyone. That being said I worked very hard on this book and I am proud of my work.
Two Sundays ago I visited Gettysburg. I have been there well over 20 times in my life. On this trip I saw the Rose Farm property, via the back road, as well as the East Cemetery Hill battlefield. As I'm sure most of the people on the forum would agree, not only is history something you learn about it is also something you feel inside. Thanks to everyone who read my post.

 

[Caddo Militia]

None Died in Vain by Robert Leckie is simple and in-depth. Also an awesome cover.

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I didn't know Robert Leckie wrote a great Civil War book. His book Helmet for My Pillow is a must read too.

 

[connecticut yankee]

Best book to start with and it's been great for over 50 years! (P.S. First edition shown below. There are cheaper revised editions in both paper and hardback.)