NFT: Eric from BBI - RE: Bruce Catton's Civil War Trilogy

Thanks. I had the same reaction.

IMO, he's the best author of history I've ever read and those three books are his best work. I couldn't put them down.

As far away from "dry, boring history" as you can get. It's like he is channeling the past and was actually there.

The research for these books must have been incredible. Have you read any of his other's and, if so, do they measure up to these? I have the feeling these set the bar very high, but they will be just as enjoyable none the less.

One clarification, "The Coming Fury" is probably the best book I've read in terms of truly understanding the cause of the war.

But his trilogy on the Army of the Potomac is truly outstanding...he one the Pulitzer for the last of the three, but I think he probably received that honor for all three books:

Mr. Lincoln's Army (1951)
Glory Road (1952)
A Stillness at Appomattox (1953)

I really like Shelby Foote, but Catton is better.

LOL...I was typing my response why you asked. You'll love the Army of Potomac trilogy...they read like novels.

Read the first page of of "See Inside" at Amazon.com here...
Amazon.com - ( New Window )

In comment 11777386 Eric from BBI said:

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One clarification, "The Coming Fury" is probably the best book I've read in terms of truly understanding the cause of the war. But his trilogy on the Army of the Potomac is truly outstanding...he one the Pulitzer for the last of the three, but I think he probably received that honor for all three books: Mr. Lincoln's Army (1951) Glory Road (1952) A Stillness at Appomattox (1953) I really like Shelby Foote, but Catton is better.

I enjoyed Shelby Foote as well, but these books definitely have a place in my library.

Thx

keep this in mind when Catton wrote these books...all pre-Civil Rights movement. Segregation was very much alive and well throughout the country. What he wrote - at that time - must have caused shockwaves in half the country.

where I live...today in 2014...many people still argue that slavery had nothing to do with the Civil War.

one of the great tragedies in the black community is the utter and complete lack of interest in that community's role in helping to liberate itself.

It drives the Civil War historians at the national parks crazy. They do outreach but there is no interest in what should probably be one of their proudest chapters.

A number of years ago, my son's Cub Scout troop was putting candles on Civil War graves for Memorial Day. I pulled aside the father of one scout from a black family. I took him to a grave site of a black soldier in the Federal cemetery. I said, "See this grave." He read the "USCT" (U.S. Colored Troops) marking and was moved. But then I pointed to the mansion across the river and said, "he was an escaped slave from the owners of that house."

in other words...he finally managed to escape his "masters"...fled north...joined a black regiment...came back south again to fight for his people...and was killed and buried within miles of where he escaped from.

and I'm hooked. I hadn't realized when these books were written until you first recommended them, and to see that they were published in the early 1950's was surprising. Especially, as you say, given the social/racial climate at that time.

Interesting point you bring up about the USCT's. It is amazing how little is known about the Civil War in the black community today. Do you know any books written about the USCTs? Yes, I know I can do the research, but if you have something you could recommend it would be appreciated.

In comment 11777415 Eric from BBI said:

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in other words...he finally managed to escape his "masters"...fled north...joined a black regiment...came back south again to fight for his people...and was killed and buried within miles of where he escaped from.

This story alone would make a great book/movie, IMHO. Do you remember what his name was?

I have forgotten, but I can look into it.

Not that I know of...something must have been written.

In comment 11777415 Eric from BBI said:

Quote:

in other words...he finally managed to escape his "masters"...fled north...joined a black regiment...came back south again to fight for his people...and was killed and buried within miles of where he escaped from.

that's like every plot of Rod Serling's work, ever. amazing irony.

post. Eric recommended these books on a thread in the past, and they are on my list of books to read. I am just about to go on vacation, so there is no better time to start. I am going to order them for the Nook tonight.

Is his take on the factors leading up to the war consistent with McPherson's in The Battle Cry of Freedom?

I sent an e-mail to the NPS.

Response:

Hello Eric:

The soldier you reference is Charles Sprow (misspelled Sprout on his headstone). Sprow was a slave of J. Horace Lacy, fled to freedom during the war, and enlisted in the 1st United States Colored Cavalry. He lived until 1926 and was a long-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site). His descendants still live in the area today.

I hope this is helpful.

All the best,

John

I was wrong about him being killed in the Civil War. (whoops)

Yes, but far more detailed and persuasive. And he doesn't tell you that point blank. You come to that conclusion yourself.

because of the quality of his writing. Anyone interested in American History should include his books among the first that they read.

is equally as brilliant an author as Catton. Have you guys read any of Jeff Shaara's work?

In comment 11778209 Simms11 said:

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is equally as brilliant an author as Catton. Have you guys read any of Jeff Shaara's work?

I read all of Jeff Shaara's work. Not just his Civil War books, but the WWI and WWII books as well. Excellent reading.

In comment 11778124 Eric from BBI said:

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I sent an e-mail to the NPS. Response: Hello Eric: The soldier you reference is Charles Sprow (misspelled Sprout on his headstone). Sprow was a slave of J. Horace Lacy, fled to freedom during the war, and enlisted in the 1st United States Colored Cavalry. He lived until 1926 and was a long-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site). His descendants still live in the area today. I hope this is helpful. All the best, John

Eric - VERY interesting. I found the attached article through a google search. I think this is the extent of what is know of Charles Sprow. Again, I think this would make a great movie!
“I was a slave of Major Horace Lacy.” - ( New Window )

In comment 11778124 Eric from BBI said:

Quote:

I sent an e-mail to the NPS. Response: Hello Eric: The soldier you reference is Charles Sprow (misspelled Sprout on his headstone). Sprow was a slave of J. Horace Lacy, fled to freedom during the war, and enlisted in the 1st United States Colored Cavalry. He lived until 1926 and was a long-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site). His descendants still live in the area today. I hope this is helpful. All the best, John

Eric - VERY interesting. I found the attached article through a google search. I think this is the extent of what is know of Charles Sprow. Again, I think this would make a great movie!
“I was a slave of Major Horace Lacy.” - ( New Window )

In comment 11778134 Eric from BBI said:

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Yes, but far more detailed and persuasive. And he doesn't tell you that point blank. You come to that conclusion yourself.

Thanks, Eric. I am definitely going to buy it later tonight.