"American Civil War for dummies (1 Book to rule them all...)" Topic

OK; similar to the ten books thread below, I know, but this is even more narrow.

I spend the winter months working up in the Alps, and do only some painting and army planning when I'm there. I'm just starting an ACW project based around the Perry Plastics (weight is an issue, as is having something rewarding to paint, which smaller scales are not to me); I'd like one book, one; that covers:

1: A general outline of the war.
2: The organisation of the armies, eg how many men in a regiment, corps structure and the like.
3: Specific force rosters of commanders at given campaigns.
4: Basics of uniforms and equipment
5: Tactics
6: Major battles

As you may guess, I totally new to this period, but not wargaming. Most historical gaming I've done in the past however, has been Ancients, so I've been spoilt by the 'Armies and Enemies' series of books for providing this level of info on Imperial Rome, etc. I want a single volume as that's all I can hope to carry with me. I was hoping to do the Northern army of the early war.

Whilst books about specific campaigns or battles may be very informative, I can neither afford the time, or baggage costs to take them; they are for another day and the already exhaustive topic elsewhere.

So which is 'The book' for me ('the Dummy')?

Dean

You are asking a lot, my friend

Most of the books that cover the basic outline of the war don't have much on uniforms, etc or on basic tactics.

James McPherson has a book called "Fields of Fury" which has a good outline of the war and major battles – he writes well – there was, as I recall, little on uniforms – he is co-author on a book called "Encylopedia of the Civil War", but I do not know how good this one is

There is a book called "Eyewitness to the Civil War" which seems a bit light, but does have lots of visuals – I think this is more intended as a coffee table/book for teens

Cartmell wrote a book called "Civil War 101" which might have much of what you are interested in, but I have not read it

For uniforms are is plenty on the 'net – the New York Public Library collection is available

link

As well

link

The new Mark Adkin book "The Gettysburg Companion" might be a good bet for a newbie to the period, if it is at all like his previous Waterloo book.

Although mainly about the battle, it covers a LOT of background on most of the subjects you've mentioned, plus more (eg uniforms).

And it'll probably be one of the best-looking books around …

Link to some info about "The Gettysburg Companion":

link

The Gettysburg Companion, pretty hefty, but it looks like it might fit the bill nicely. Thanks!

it IS HEFTY…weighing in at 6 pounds..its not the kind you can hold in front of you; nor read easily while on your back. The book is too damn heavy. Almost requires a flat surface [table] to rest on!

but it does as suggested, provide a LOT of interesting background besides details on the battle. It won't give you all on your list; like all the battles in all the theaters etc.