There have literally been thousands of books written and published about the Civil War, perhaps even tens of thousands. Thus, the field is quite full when trying to determine which are the 50 greatest Civil War books ever written. To make such a list is quite an honor indeed. It means that a book is in the 99th percentile of all published books on the Civil War.
The good folks at Civil War Interactive polled their readers to determine the 50 best books on the Civil War. 621 people cast 1863 votes to create the list. The results of that poll can be found here.
The likes of Douglas Southall Freeman, Shelby Foote, Stephen W. Sears, and Bruce Catton appear often on this list. Some appear more than once. Great classics like Battles and Leaders of the Civil War and the Official Records also understandably appear on the list. I was genuinely shocked not to find any of the four volumes of Gordon Rhea’s epic, groundbreaking study of the 1864 Overland Campaign–some of the finest campaign studies ever written, in my humble opinion–on that list. Thus, I was flabbergasted to find J.D.’s and my Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg sitting at number 50 on that list. It seems we’re in some very, very good company here.
I don’t especially enjoy tooting my own horn, and I never think of my work as being of that caliber. Given that the quality of research and writing found in Gordon Rhea’s work is that standard that I strive to match, I just don’t, look at my work that way as that’s a high standard to meet indeed. Consequently, I am always amazed when my work gets that sort of recognition because I just don’t think of it that way. Accordingly, when I found our work in such esteemed company, I was stunned, flattered, and humbled all at the same time.
All I can say is thank you for the honor bestowed upon our work, and can also say that I can only hope that I continue to live up to your expectations with my future work. Thank you.
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On Saturday at our local history symposium I had Plenty of Blame and One Continous Fight covers together on the screen in discussing Stuart at Gettysburg pointing out that if I had a nickel for every time someone asked me about it. Now, I can just send them to two books. When you see Kerman Thomason and Larry Turner later this year they will are instructed to ask you how much you pay me for such promotion of your books.
LOL Tom, we could never pay you enough 🙂
Thanks so much for helping to promote them and for your support. Having “Mr. Jeb Stuart” on our side makes us feel very honored!
We can’t wait for ‘One Continuous Fight’ to come out the first week of May and we hope folks like what we’ve done.
J.D.
Just started reading it, and it’s a great combination of exhaustive research and narrative drive.
Since everyone’s a critic and I’m no different, I have two minor complaints: it would be great to have a detailed map at the start of each chapter showing Stuart’s route during the time period covered by the chapter, supplementing the tactical maps of the engagements; also, I think the biographical digressions on major characters, while interesting, interrupt the otherwise strong narrative drive. I don’t know how this might have been better handled.
But this is only dust in the wind. I’m really enjoying the book; it’s a great read and a must for anyone interested in Civil War battles and campaigns.
Psssst, Eric … did you see that other Ironclad book on the list? Check out # 18.
Hee, hee, hee.
Jim
Congratulations! That is fantastic news. (And of course I somewhat selfishly hope with similar success for your/our future efforts!)
Mike
Well, well deserved!!!
Eric and JD,
First of all, hearty congrats on being on the CWI list. And I mean that. Hope you didn’t mind that little poke in the ribs I gave you in my post above; it was meant in fun.
Having had a chance to sleep on it and read the comments on some other blogs, I have several more serious thoughts.
Must say I was very surprised indeed to see my book on the list – and that is not false modesty. I worked hard on it, stand by its conclusions, and believe that “A Little Short of Boats” is far and away the best book out there on Ball’s Bluff if I do say so myself. I’d even go so far as to say it probably could legitimately be included on a list of the Top 50 for 2004, the year it came out. But “of all time?” Whew! That is heady stuff.
Nonetheless, it is extremely flattering to know that CWI’s readers, people who, whatever the specific level of their knowledge actively read on the Civil War, think that highly of one’s own work, even if their list should more correctly be titled “The 50 Favorite Civil War Books of CWI Readers At This Time.” That calls for gratitude and I am grateful.
Like some others who have commented on the blogs, I’d quibble with several of the included titles, especially the fiction, the reference books, and the Golden Book. Still, perhaps the poll organizers didn’t specify non-fiction; the list heading does say “Civil War BOOKS” rather than “Civil War HISTORIES.” Plus, it was the effort of a group so it can be assumed that most individuals will disagree with something on it.
So, congrats to all who made the list. And you can be sure that I will be insisting to all my non-Civil War friends that CWI’s list is THE definitive “best books” list of all time.
Rally ’round the flag.
Jim
Congratulations! By the way, Col. Mike Seaton of Louisa County Historical Society has very nice things to say about you when I met him in Feb!
Congrats Eric and J. D.
The both of you have done a great service to the mounted arm and your work will stand for years.
I am puzzled that Bradley or Fonvielle didn’t make the list with their standard setting works on the Carolinas and Wilmington Campaigns.
Wade
Guys,
There’s a lot about that list that doesn’t make sense, as I pointed out myself.
However, I am nevertheless grateful to be included.
John Maass–how goes the job?
Eric