BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM by James M. McPherson is the best single volume history of the American Civil War. McPherson first describes the economic, social, political, and technological changes that occurred in the United States in the years before the conflict. Then, he carefully and lucidly describes the political environment in America that leads to the election of Abraham Lincoln. This election precipitated the seccession of 7 and ultimately 11 southern states. The seccession debate within the southern governments is explained fully. The war itself is described primarily in strategic terms, but with clear descriptions of the human costs of the conflict.

Anyone who wishes to understand this period of American history must read BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM.