If you’re a fan of history, this is an absolutely brilliant history of the Civil War. That said, McPherson begins the story in 1844 (where What Hath God Wrought, #65 on my list, left off). The first chapter tells of the lead up to the war. I wish the first chapter were published as a stand-alone book for anyone who thinks the Civil War was fought for any reason other than slavery.
“The Civil War was about states rights.”
“Well yes, states’ rights to OWN SLAVES!”
The rest of the book is good too. It truly is a page turner as you follow Lee and Jackson, Grant and Lincoln and the rest through the bloody conflict.
I’ve enjoyed these Oxford History of the United States books, and am happy that The Republic for Which it Stands, 1865-1896 has recently come out. That will be on my reading list for 2019
David Hershey 