Enduring Civil War: Reflections on the Great American Crisis

The Enduring Civil War is a collection of essays that explores the complexity and richness of the American Civil War, comparing contemporary understanding with testimony from those in the Union and the Confederacy. It challenges conventional interpretations and examines recent scholarly trends, offering a provocative and timely exploration of the war's origins, conduct, and aftermath.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

The collection of seventy-three concise essays titled "The Enduring Civil War" delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of the Civil War, encompassing its origins, course, and enduring legacy. Authored by celebrated historian Gary W. Gallagher, this work serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of the conflict. Gallagher's objective is to place contemporary understanding of the Civil War in dialogue with firsthand accounts from individuals who experienced it, both from the Union and the Confederacy. By examining how mid-nineteenth-century perceptions align with, or deviate from, current ideas regarding the war's origins, conduct, and aftermath, Gallagher seeks to shed light on the evolving narrative surrounding this pivotal period in American history.

One of the central themes that permeates the essays is the tension between history and memory. Gallagher highlights how later perceptions of the war often overshadowed historical reality in the minds of many Americans. He challenges commonly held notions and interpretations, questioning the significance of events such as Gettysburg and Vicksburg as turning points, the portrayal of Ulysses S. Grant as a wasteful general, the Gettysburg Address as a watershed moment that transformed the war's purpose, and the portrayal of Robert E. Lee as an outdated general ill-suited for waging a modern mid-nineteenth-century conflict. Gallagher's critical analysis of these narratives fosters a deeper understanding of the war and its complex legacy.

The essays in "The Enduring Civil War" cover a wide range of topics, encompassing notable books, authors, military and civilian figures, and historical interpretations. Gallagher examines the works of both Union and Confederate authors, exploring their contributions to understanding the war. He also discusses historians who, despite their obscurity, have produced influential works that continue to be relevant in terms of analysis and information. Gallagher's commentary on conventional interpretations provides a fresh perspective, challenging commonly held beliefs and offering alternative interpretations.

In addition to examining historical narratives, Gallagher also engages with recent scholarly trends in Civil War studies. He addresses crucial questions about chronology, history, memory, and the emerging field of revisionist literature. Gallagher's insights into these trends shed light on the evolving nature of Civil War research and the challenges faced by scholars in understanding this complex and multifaceted conflict.

Overall, "The Enduring Civil War" is a thought-provoking and comprehensive collection of essays that offers a deep and nuanced exploration of the Civil War. Through his meticulous research, critical analysis, and engaging writing style, Gallagher provides a valuable contribution to the field of Civil War studies. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this pivotal period in American history.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807173480