The American Civil War - by Christopher J Olsen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Succinct, with a brace of original documents following each chapter, Christopher J. Olsen's The American Civil War is the ideal introduction to American history's most famous, and infamous, chapter. Covering events from 1850 and the mounting political pressures to split the Union into opposing sections, through the four years of bloodshed and waning Confederate fortunes, to Lincoln's assassination and the advent of Reconstruction, The American Civil War covers the entire sectional conflict and at every juncture emphasizes the decisions and circumstances, large and small, that determined the course of events.

Review Quotes

"A solid introduction to the Civil War." --Kirkus Reviews

"A trenchant survey history." --Booklist

"The book works best as a primer for college students and general readers wanting an introduction." --Library Journal

About the Author

Christopher J. Olsen is an assistant professor of history at Indiana State University and the author of Political Culture and Secession in Mississippi: Masculinity, Honor, and the Antiparty Tradition, 1830-1860.