Weigley, Russell F. A great Civil War; a military and political history, 1861-1865

Kliatt, July, 2004 by Raymond Puffer

WEIGLEY, Russell F. A great Civil War; a military and political history, 1861-1865. Indiana University Press. 612p. maps. notes, bibliog, index, c2000, 0-253-21706-7 $24.95. A*

The trouble with Professor Russell Weigley is that he seems determined to write the absolute final word about every subject he takes up. In fact, he usually finishes close to that goal. Once this distinguished military historian finishes with a subject, it is awfully hard for another author to take it up again. In the past 20 years, Weigley has written studies on the American concept of warfighting, an excellent profile of General Eisenhower's subordinate general officers, and a highly successful two-volume compendium of the nation's wars, among other works. Now, the Civil War takes its turn.

By now there is hardly anything new that anyone can write about the great conflict's battles and campaigns, and historians life Shelby Foote and Bruce McPherson have already produced outstanding military histories in recent years. Weigley's book, however, is as strong on the political and social context as it is on the actual fighting. At times, in fact, when telling about a given battle, he subordinates its more intricate details to its political ramifications. Even so, his story never loses its tempo, but manages to retain its color and excitement as well. In short, this is no more "bugle and drum" military drama, but a dependable and highly readable study of the entire Civil War and its context in the nation's history. It is a good book for adults, for whom it was written, and is solidly recommended for public libraries. The book would also be excellent for enticing undergraduates and high school YAs to appreciate the entire era. Raymond Puffer, Historian, Edwards AFB, CA