I would recommend nothing else. The only shortcoming whatsoever of the series is length. Additionally, there is really no "lead-up" section, so you might want to read a couple wikipedia entries about a couple of things that might not be explained. However, the number of things that would need to be explained are minimal.
The length may not be ideal for what you seem to want. As far as background goes, one could technically say it goes all the way back to the founding of the nation, but the basic cause(s) are pretty simple.
Or you could watch Ken Burns' famous documentary. It's not truly chronological, but overall, it's pretty good. I'd still go with Foote's books, though.
*MySmiley*
I play air tambourine. Competitively.
I play air tambourine. Competitively.
Can someone recommend me a good book about the American Civil War?
- 29/08/2010 01:41:11 PM
1081 Views
I am reading Shelby Foote's history right now.
- 29/08/2010 04:16:58 PM
867 Views
What Tom said.
- 29/08/2010 06:16:28 PM
794 Views
Killer Angels was good even if technically it is fiction
- 30/08/2010 06:09:46 PM
835 Views
It was excellent, and the basis for the film "Gettysburg" The author's son wrote a prequel & sequel
- 31/08/2010 05:28:37 AM
811 Views