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Essential Civil War Literature
By Lee Ann Alexander
January 24, 2005
Historical fiction has long been popular
and, with so many possible time periods, there is never a lack of options. One
preferred avenue of study is the American Civil War. It has fascinated scholars
in its horrific violence and fierce heroism. It was truly the trial by fire that
defined an indivisible nation. Whether serious Civil War historian or casual
historical fiction reader, these works are outstanding pieces of literature that
take up the American Civil War as their subject and setting.
Ambrose Bierce’s Civil War
by Ambrose Bierce
The short story genre is too often
neglected, but Bierce perfected short fiction to an art. He actually saw combat
in the Civil War and based many of his stories on actual events. The first
section of the book contains several excerpts of memoirs that present a valuable
firsthand look at key battles and typical Civil War life. However, the larger
section of 27 short stories uses the Civil War as a springboard to portray
stories that would be fascinating in any genre. This latter collection is a
perfect primer for the Civil War literature student.
“Co. Aytch” by Sam R. Watkins
Actually non-fiction, “Co. Aytch” is the
first person memoir of a Confederate private. He reports significant war moments
in rural dialect, as reflected by the title. But he also shares the more common
moments of typical army life. There is something very poignant about the way
Watkins unites the horror of the conflict with the normal affairs of daily
life—all with his own subtle wit.
Gods and Generals by Jeff
Shaara
The first installment in the famous Civil
War trilogy by father-and-son team Jeff and Michael Shaara, this book is
certainly my favorite of all Civil War fiction. After thorough research,
including the study of original source materials, Shaara retells the events that
led up to the Battle of Gettysburg in narrative form through the perspective of
all the major players. With delicacy and reverence, Shaara recounts
unforgettable moments, such as the death of Stonewall Jackson and Robert Lee’s
decision to lead the Confederacy. This book—consistent with all the Shaaras’
works—is a real page turner, but it doesn’t cheapen the experience with
melodrama or sloppy attention to historical accuracy. The details are right,
the characters are developed with depth, and the experience is truly moving.
The Killer Angels by Michael
Shaara
Perhaps the most popular of the trilogy and
a Pulitzer Prize winner, this fictional account of the battle of Gettysburg was
published first and basically revived Civil War fiction as a genre. The
publication of this novel reminded us that the Civil War warrants our study and
that such a journey can be both mentally fascinating and deeply emotive. The
Shaaras not only carried out articulate research of the facts, but they also
created intimate portraits of the key figures involved in the war. The
definitive Gettysburg account, this novel also serves as a prerequisite to
understanding both Federal and Confederate ideologies.
The Last Full Measure
by Jeff Shaara
The final installment of the Shaara trilogy
takes readers from Gettysburg through the end of the Civil War. Jeff Shaara
characteristically handles the subject sensitively. Particularly moving is the
Appomattox scene where Confederate arms are handed over and General Chamberlain
directs Federal troops to salute their surrendered countrymen. In addition, for
the first time in the trilogy, Grant appears and we see firsthand the evolution
of Federal warfare under his command. Though sometimes overlooked—perhaps
because the image of a weak and splintered America is painful—this novel is
equally well-written and is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2005 Lee Ann Alexander
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Lee Ann
Alexander is writing
ninetyandnine.com’s
new book column every month until they stop printing books. (Happily for us,
she thinks she’s getting the best end of that deal.)
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