By Charles P. Roland. Second Edition. Published by The University Press of Kentucky, 2004. Hard cover with dust jacket. 289 pages, index, illustrations and maps. Brand new condition.

An American Iliad is a concise yet comprehensive history of the Civil War, written by a distinguished historian of the conflict. Charles P. Roland, author of a long respected history of the Confederacy and the difinitive biography of Albert Sidney Johnston, skillfully interweaves the story of battles and campaigns with accounts of the major political, diplomatic, social and cultural events of the epoch and insightful sketches of the leading actors.

Of prime interest are the contrasts he draws between the opposing presidents and generals. What traits, he asks, made Lincoln superior to Davis as a war leader? How were Union military leaders able to forge a more effective fighting force and a more comprehensive strategy than their opponents? Charles Roland's thoughtful answers and his recognition of the contradictions of human nature and the interplay of intention and chance raise this book far above a mere recounting of military events.

Through increased coverage of the home front, soldiers' lives, the contributions of African American soldiers, and the experiences of women, Roland has broadened the scope of this new edition while maintaining his original focus on the war's military aspects. Additional modifications include an opening chapter that elucidates the historical context of the Civil War, more photographs and maps, and a timeline that enables readers to more easily identify the temporal relationships among critical events in the conflict. A new final chapter discusses the Reconstruction era that followed the war, which had its own significant impact on the nation.

The Civil War and its lingering effects evinced the best and worst aspects of the nation. The conflict created conquerors, victims, vanquished obstacles, and realized dreams that would become embedded in our national consciousness and would come to shape our national character. The story of the Civil War is the epic of the American people. Never has it been told more movingly.

Reviews:

"The best introduction to the nation's great trauma." Gary W. Gallagher

"This volume is surely the best brief history of the United States and the Confederate States at war." Emory M. Thomas

"Roland wonderfully synthesizes the work and study of generations to produce a sharp and incisive study that will last." William C. Davis

"An extraordinary synthesis by one of the most respected historians in the field. The book's detail and fluid style make it equally appealing as a textbook and as a work for any general reader." James I. Robertson

"The best concise narrative of the war currently available." Journal of Mississippi History

"An excellent display of clear, succinct prose. Masterfully groups the myriad of battles into a series of campaigns that introduce all the key commanders and strategic decisions." North Carolina Historical Review

"May be the best single volume history of the war." Southern Partisan