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“story on the last month of the civil war.”
Rick G wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Fascinating and brought some light to aspects of the “second” civil war (the first being the Revolution, which likewise divided our country) which I had not appreciated. In particular Lee, Johnston and Forrest refusing to follow Jefferson’s direction with respect to starting a guerrilla war after Richmond fell (p.146). The movement to recruit blacks, which Lee supported but came too late (p.59); the confidence he South had in Lee. Jackson saying “I am willing to follow him blindfolded.” (p.86). Charles Adams, grandson and great-grandson of two presidents: “I shudder to think of what would have happened if Robert E. Lee was of the same turn on mind of Jefferson Davis . . . .” (p.150). The scene of TR watching Lincoln’s coffin passing in New York (p.358). Lee taking communion at the alter next to a black man was also moving (p.363). ”
Jack R wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Hmmmm....interesting and factual...can be drawn out. Great History. Worth the read, I keep picking it up and putting it down too.”
dan h wrote this review Friday, November 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Fascinating account of the end of the Civil War, which did not end at Appomattox Court House, as many believe. I did not know what a crucial role Robert E Lee played in encouraging all Southern generals to surrender as he did to avoid further, useless bloodshed, and urging the people of the South to get behind re-joining the Union. Lee and other Southern generals could have waged a guerrilla war that might have lasted many more years than the Civil War actually did, but Lee realized that the utter destruction of the South would be the inevitable result. The author's expository style works well for this material. A very engaging read.”
Random Factor wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Good book. This could have easily turned into an 800 page tome. Some great stories I had never heard before.”
Casey G wrote this review Saturday, September 6 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“So many important events occurred in April 1865 that Jay Winik has devoted an entire book to it. The surrender of Lee's army on April 12 followed by Abraham Lincoln's assassination on April 15 to the subsequent surrenders of other Confederate forces during the end of the month make April an important month in American history. The book is broken down day by day and is full of the detail that makes a history book come alive. I lost this book when Katrina flooded my house and had to have another copy so I could read it again.”
Teresa T wrote this review Saturday, April 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A eye-opening analysis of how important one month can be to the whole country. Things could have been so different if Grant's treatment of a surendered Lee was cruel rather than respectful; If Lincoln's last actions and words were draconian. Most civil wars end with two different nations. Professor Winik makes the case for how important the actions of one month brought our country back together.”
Steven S wrote this review Saturday, March 29 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is one of the best Civil War books ever written. April, 1865 could have had many endings. That month of American history was fast paced and there was a great amount of inefficiency, red-tape, spurning of options that could have changed the outcome of the war. I found this to be very engaging.”
khabira wrote this review Wednesday, March 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Every Civil War fan needs to read this book. Dramatic telling of the final monthe of the war. Lee's last stand, Lincolns assissnation and more are all interwond in this story and it made an excellent documentary which I own. One of the best Civil War books Ive ever read!”
Stephen M wrote this review Tuesday, February 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
