Comments on: Great Civil War Books: An Author’s Reading List

By: Hal Rogers

Hal Rogers — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:25:19 +0000

Must disagree with Mr. Lechner regarding McPherson’s Northern (or anti-Southern) bias. Although not completely finished with the book, I find it very even toned even with the author’s family history of service to the North.

I would imagine it’s as balanced as a Civil War historian could be.

By: Bob Rogers

Bob Rogers — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:08:10 +0000

Thanks for the list and the comments. Helped me with my reading list.

By: James Lechner

James Lechner — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 23:13:03 +0000

Sir,

My only issue is with the now almost standard nomination of J McPherson’s “Battle Cry of Freedom” as the singular best work. Although for lack of a substitute, I cannot disagree with this choice, it must be highlighted that Dr McPherson is anti Southern in his bias. He continually stresses slavery as the central issue of the war and proclaims that defense of this institution was the primary motivation for southerners. He treats Southern policy, perspectives and attitudes in a very disparaging way. While broad based and extremely well written, this book is not a balanced history or completely accurate portrayal.

By: Matthew Sollars

Matthew Sollars — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 20:27:23 +0000

Thanks! We do indeed plan to do more “best books” lists. Tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll try to write them for you.

By: Seth

Seth — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:27:53 +0000

This is great–some of these are definitely going on my “books to read” list. Will this “best books” become a running series? I hope so.