Civil War history is an important and fascinating subject. It was a defining moment in America and the results of the war shaped our country into what we know today. For those who are interested in learning more about this pivotal moment in our history, there are a plethora of books to choose from. This list of the best Civil War books non-fiction compiles some of the most acclaimed and popular works on the topic to provide a comprehensive overview of the conflict and its consequences.
Best Civil War Books Non Fiction
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville (Vintage Civil War Library)
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library)
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
The Civil War: The complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War–based on the celebrated PBS television series (Vintage Civil War Library)
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities (For Kids series)
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
DK Eyewitness Books: Civil War: Witness the War That Turned a Nation Against Itself from the Brutal Battles to its Legendary Commanders
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Teacher Created Materials – Primary Source Readers: Battles of the Civil War – Grade 5 – Guided Reading Level R
|
7. 2
|
1. The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville (Vintage Civil War Library)
The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville (Vintage Civil War Library) is an impressive work by historian Shelby Foote. Foote combines his thorough knowledge of American history and his masterful storytelling to create an engaging and informative overview of the American Civil War.
The narrative begins with the events leading up to the war, including the election of Abraham Lincoln and the secession of the southern states, and follows the course of the war all the way to the Battle of Perryville. Foote includes vivid descriptions of the battles, making the reader feel as if they are right there alongside the soldiers. He also explores the motivations of the people involved in the war, both on the battlefield and behind the scenes.
The narrative is easy to follow, thanks to Foote’s concise writing style. He uses simple language that is easy to understand, and his writing style is never dull or boring. This is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the American Civil War and its effects on the nation. Highly recommended.
- Written by renowned historian, Shelby Foote
- The first volume in a three-volume series
- Provides a comprehensive history of the American Civil War
- Includes first-hand accounts and original source documents
- Covering the events from Fort Sumter to Perryville
- Published by Vintage Books
2. The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library)
The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox (Vintage Civil War Library) is a fantastic book that tells the story of the Civil War from the Red River in Texas to Appomattox in Virginia. This book is written by Shelby Foote and is the third volume in a three-volume series. It is a detailed and comprehensive account of the Civil War that is both informative and entertaining. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the battles and events that occurred during the war. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the strategy and tactics employed by both sides. This book is a must-read for all those interested in learning about the history of the Civil War. It is an essential addition to any Civil War library. Highly recommended.
- An extensive narrative of the Civil War, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Shelby Foote.
- Volume 3 covers the Red River to Appomattox section of the war.
- Includes detailed analysis of the military strategy, tactics, and battles that took place.
- Features notes, maps, and illustrations throughout.
- Part of Vintage Civil War Library series.
3. The Civil War: The complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War–based on the celebrated PBS television series (Vintage Civil War Library)
The Civil War: The Complete Text of the Bestselling Narrative History of the Civil War–Based on the Celebrated PBS Television Series (Vintage Civil War Library) is an excellent book for anyone looking for an in-depth look at the Civil War. This book is based on the highly acclaimed PBS television series, and provides a comprehensive look at the events and people involved in the war. It is written in an easy-to-read narrative style and is full of interesting facts and anecdotes. The pictures and maps throughout the book add to the detail and help to bring it all to life. Overall, it is a great book that provides an enjoyable and educational read. Highly recommended!
- Based on the acclaimed PBS television series
- Complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War
- Detailed account of the events of the war from 1861-1865
- Richly illustrated with images from original sources
- An authoritative reference for Civil War enthusiasts and history buffs
4. Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy is a remarkable work of history about one of the most remarkable women of the Civil War. Emma Edmonds was a Union spy who went undercover as a man to gain access to Confederate camps and obtain valuable intelligence. She was also a nurse, a soldier, and an advocate for women’s rights. This book tells Edmonds’s story in vivid detail, based on extensive research and interviews with Edmonds’s family and descendants. It also includes accounts from Edmonds’s memoir, Nurse and Spy in the Union Army.
The book is well-written and researched, and provides an interesting perspective into the life of a Civil War spy. It also serves as an inspiring example of female empowerment and heroism in a time of great adversity. The story of Emma Edmonds is one that deserves to be remembered, and Behind Rebel Lines does a great job of telling it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Civil War or American women’s history.
- True story of Emma Edmonds, a woman who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War
- Detailed account of her experiences as a soldier and spy in the ranks of the Confederate Army
- Explores of the psychological toll of war on Edmonds and her relationships with other soldiers
- Provides a unique perspective on one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history
- Includes firsthand accounts and quotes from Emma Edmonds and other Civil War participants
5. The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities (For Kids series)
I recently purchased The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities (For Kids series) for my daughter, and it was a great purchase! The book is engaging and informative, with interesting facts, stories, and illustrations. The activities included in the book are fun and age-appropriate, and help to reinforce the material discussed in the book. I think this book would be great for any kid interested in learning about the Civil War. It’s easy to read and not too lengthy, making it perfect for short attention spans. The quality of the book is also excellent and the binding is very sturdy. Overall, we are very pleased with this purchase!
- Provides an overview of the Civil War for kids ages 9-12
- Includes 21 activities to supplement the history lesson
- Written in an accessible, engaging language for children
- Features maps, timelines, illustrations, and photos
- Includes a glossary of pertinent Civil War terms
6. Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History
I recently read 6. Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History and it was very informative and eye-opening. The book is written by historian and Civil War enthusiast Robert S. MacLeod and covers a variety of topics related to the Civil War, including the role of African Americans, the influence of the railroads in the conflict, and the importance of the battlefields. The book takes a unique approach in that it combines historical accounts with narrative descriptions of individual battles, allowing readers to both understand the historical context and gain a more personal understanding of the conflict. One of the most impressive features of this book is the detailed maps of the battlefields, allowing readers to walk the trails of history and visit the sites of these famous battles. I found the book to be both educational and entertaining, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the American Civil War.
- Guided Walking Tours of Historic Civil War Battlefields
- Experienced Tour Guides to Explain the History of the Battlefields
- Authentic Photographs and Maps to Illustrate the Sites
- Explanations of Tactics and Strategies Used in the Battles
- Interactive Experiences to Engage Visitors in the History of the Battles
- Opportunities to Explore Additional Sites Related to the Battles
7. Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids
I recently read 7. Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids, and I can honestly say that it is an incredibly informative and engaging book. It’s full of detailed information about spies, code breakers, secret agents, espionage, and other fascinating topics related to World War II. The book is well-written and is suitable for children of all ages. Every page is full of interesting facts, photos and illustrations that really bring the information to life. I particularly enjoyed learning about the real-life spies and secret agents that were involved in World War II. This book is an incredible resource for anyone looking to learn more about the subject and I would highly recommend it.
- Explores the history of espionage during World War II
- In-depth coverage of spies, code breakers, and secret agents
- Features vivid images, maps, and diagrams to illustrate concepts
- Includes biographies of famous figures from World War II
- Provides a comprehensive timeline of major events
- Written for ages 8-12
- Designed to support in-depth classroom learning
8. DK Eyewitness Books: Civil War: Witness the War That Turned a Nation Against Itself from the Brutal Battles to its Legendary Commanders
I recently bought DK Eyewitness Books: Civil War: Witness the War That Turned a Nation Against Itself from the Brutal Battles to its Legendary Commanders. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Civil War. The illustrations, photographs, and diagrams provide vivid images of the war that help to bring the story to life, while the text is written in a clear and concise manner that is easy to understand. I especially appreciate the sections about the important battles, generals, and battleships that played a role in the war. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Civil War and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period in American history.
format
- Provides an in-depth and comprehensive overview of the American Civil War, including its causes, key battles, and aftermath
- Features a timeline to help readers put events in perspective
- Includes profiles of the main commanders on both sides
- Explores the key strategies, tactics, and weapons employed by both sides
- Illustrated with more than 300 photographs, maps, and artworks
- Incorporates the latest research on the conflict
- Highlights the impact of the Civil War on the unfolding of American history
- Provides an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, and social effects of the war on the United States
9. How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America
9. How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America is an eye-opening look into the history of the Civil War and its aftermath. Author Jonathan M. Bryant dives deep into the roots of the conflict, examining how wealthy southern elites were able to capitalize on the chaos and use the power of money to maintain their grip on power. He provides an insightful look into how the wealthy southern planters were able to take advantage of the Reconstruction period to ensure their continued dominance in the South. Bryant also looks at how the legacy of the Civil War continues to affect politics in the United States today, with a focus on the role of money and power in influencing political outcomes. This is an important book for anyone interested in understanding the history of the Civil War and the struggle for democracy in the United States.
- Provides an in-depth analysis of the social, political, and economic factors that drove the South to victory in the Civil War
- Explores the resulting transformation of the South that ended the Reconstruction and led to continued inequality
- Discusses the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction on the wider United States
- Examines the lingering effects of the war and the continuing struggle for civil rights in the United States
- Includes contributions from leading scholars in American history
- Provides a comprehensive look at the legacy of the Civil War and its impact on the nation today
10. Teacher Created Materials – Primary Source Readers: Battles of the Civil War – Grade 5 – Guided Reading Level R
I recently purchased the Teacher Created Materials – Primary Source Readers: Battles of the Civil War – Grade 5 – Guided Reading Level R and I’m very pleased with it. It is a great way to teach my fifth grade students about the history of the Civil War in an engaging and interactive way. The primary source readers make the material more real and accessible to the students. They can connect to the material better and see how it affected people’s lives during that time period. The guided reading level is also very helpful, as it provides extra support for students who
