Bruce Catton (1899–1978)

An absolute classic. Catton's prose soars. The series follows the Army of the Potomac through the war; this book covers the start of the war up through Antietam. Catton mixes thematic commentary with digressions on the histories of the major players as he follows the campaigns. He is particularly masterful exploring McClellan's meteoric rise while analyzing the complicated general's thinking.

[Mr. Lincoln's Army] is well-researched and strongly written. I've heard others mention that Shelby Foote is the better writer and that might be, but I felt Bruce Catton did a solid job and for a book that was written over 50 years ago, it had a nice contemporary feel. Catton's love and knowledge of this tempestuous time is impressive.This is the 1st book of his trilogy and covers the early years up to Antietam, which he describes hauntingly in all it's bloody horrific glory. I know there show more are not to many fans of General George McClellan out there but Catton paints him with a more sympathetic air, explaining his (sometimes misguided) motivations. I give Catton credit though for not letting him off the hook in the battle of Antietam. He hammers him pretty good. It's funny McClellan, in his own memoirs had felt that he had done an admirable job in that gruesome fiasco. How clueless is that? Highly recommended! show less

Well-written, amazing, hard to put down. Catton's ongoing commentary enhances the drama and provides some profound insights. After all the other Civil War books I've read, I finally understand why Antietam (the most chaotic and deadly battle) was a turning point in the war, and why.

Despite loving history, I've never been drawn to battle scenes till now. Catton makes them come alive and adds emotional drama and meaning. And grief. These "boys," as he calls them, have certainly lost their show more innocence, and their excitement about marching to war. After the battle, thousands upon thousands on both sides lay wounded in the fields all night, crying in pain and calling for help that never came. Very poignant.

This is book #1 in Catton's trilogy "Army of the Potomac." Now on to the next: "Glory Road" and, finally, "A Stillness at Appomattox."

Highly recommended if you want a detailed history of the Civil War. show less

A headlong plunge into this clash of ideals, this history of the fight for the American soul drives recent events into perspective. Just how far have we actually evolved in the hundred-and-fifty-plus years since the ending of the Civil War? Every glance at the news has to make us question our own collective enlightenment, our wokeness. Even if Catton were not such a good writer, this book would be well worth the reader's time because of its relevance. But Catton can write. Those — myself show more included — unfamiliar with the intricacies of Civil War tactics and maneuvering need not be put off. The true value here lies in the sweep of the narrative.

Read in a gulp, Catton's history was most valuable in providing an understanding of the countervailing forces which very nearly cleaved the country in two. There are no heroes here, and in this was the greatest surprise for me. While the evils of slavery and the necessity of destroying the institution are obvious, much less so is the character of the southerner. For what did he fight? The answer is not obvious and was not made so by the end of the book. This is at least part of the point. The reasons for the war are ultimately as varied as the people which participated. More than anything, it is the humanity of all involved which comes through on these pages. show less