American Civil War Resources

[ewenlin]

Hi brothers,

Could anyone point me to a few secular historians who's work on the American Civil War (ACW) is taken to be some sort of a standard?

I need to compare the role of religion in the ACW, particularly how secular/Christian historians differ. Perhaps a textbook used in the history dept in an university.

Thanks
Ewen

 

[Edward]

Are you looking for something that contrasts the likes of Hooker and Grant with Jackson, Lee, and Pike?

I'm supposing that you are referring to the War of Northern Aggression.

The most accessible works about the War would be from the northerner Bruce Catton, and the southerner Shelby Foote. I don't know that either is going to get you where you want, however.

 

[LawrenceU]

Are you specifically looking for the role of religion in the war as it is discussed or the role religion played in its prelude, execution, and aftermath?

 

[Staphlobob]

Are you looking for something that contrasts the likes of Hooker and Grant with Jackson, Lee, and Pike?

I'm supposing that you are referring to the War of Northern Aggression.

The most accessible works about the War would be from the northerner Bruce Catton, and the southerner Shelby Foote. I don't know that either is going to get you where you want, however.

I do know that Foote didn't think very highly of Stonewall Jackson and his faith. One need look no further than his comments on the PBS series that came out a number of years ago.

 

[tommyb]

My favorite secular Civil War historian is Stephen Sears. He focuses on the eastern theater but is really excellent.

 

[Whitefield]

I need to compare the role of religion in the ACW, particularly how secular/Christian historians differ. Perhaps a textbook used in the history dept in an university.

Thanks
Ewen

I think he is asking about the historiographical differences between a secular historian and a Christian historian when writing about the ACW.

 

[LawrenceU]

I need to compare the role of religion in the ACW, particularly how secular/Christian historians differ. Perhaps a textbook used in the history dept in an university.

Thanks
Ewen

I think he is asking about the historiographical differences between a secular historian and a Christian historian when writing about the ACW.

In that case he would do well to contact Richard G. Williams.

 

[Austin]

Several books on the War Between the States that I have found helpful:

1) "Stonewall Jackson's Verse"-- A short treatise on Jackson's faith, centered on his theme verse, Rom 8:28.

2) "The Civil War As a Theological Crisis" (Mark Noll, a Confessional Presbyterian & Prof. of History at Notre Dame University)-- An excellent short treatment of the religious issues of the day.

3) "Basic American Government" (Clarence Carson)-- A study of the governmental system of the US. The chapters on the lead up to the WBS is one of the best out there.

4) "Jefferson Davis: American Patriot"-- A biography of the Confederate President.

5) Of course, the PBS series by Ken Burns is excellent as a point of departure for those who are unfamiliar with the War.

 

[ewenlin]

I need to compare the role of religion in the ACW, particularly how secular/Christian historians differ. Perhaps a textbook used in the history dept in an university.

Thanks
Ewen

I think he is asking about the historiographical differences between a secular historian and a Christian historian when writing about the ACW.

Yes, that's what I'm looking for.

Thanks for the list Austin, will check them out.