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Essential Civil War Literature
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.)