The only problem with this "book" is that it is a trilogy and so it is a bit of a commitment. However, as someone who has only ever been moderately interested in the Civil War, I am enjoying the book immensely.

The style is easy, the strategy for the battles are explained in clear, plain language and the book is just frankly great reading. I've sped my way through the first 400 pages of Volume I and I am entranced.

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.

Foote covers absolutely everything in the war - the personality conflicts of the generals, the actual battles blow-by-blow, the big picture politics in Washington and Richmond, Lincoln and Davis' personal histories, the international situation - everything.