There have been a couple of good posts on other blogs about the best Civil War books, but I noticed how deficient they are when it comes to the Trans-Mississippi region. So I would like to post a list of what I think are the top, say, 10 books that focus on that region. Note, I am not a trained historian; though I aspire to be one. Here goes, in no particular order:
Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign in the West
by William L. Shea and Earl J. Hess
It’s the best study on one of the first Union victories of the war, and a battle that decisively changed the balance of power in the West. Shea is probably one of the leading Trans-Mississippi Civil War historians we have right now.
Vicksburg Campaign (vol.1-3)
by Edwin C. Bearss
Bearss’ 3-volume set is a must for Trans-Mississippi Civil War historians and buffs.
Ninety-Eight Days: A Geographer’s View of the Vicksburg Campaign
by Warren E. Grabau
This is a nice study of the campaign and from a unique perspective. Each major battle is set from both Federal and Confederate “perspectives.†The combination of Grabau’s geographical viewpoints, along with the basic battle actions and maneuvering, give this book an interesting angle.
CHAMPION HILL: Decisive Battle for Vicksburg
by Timothy B. Smith
Not only is this the best book on what was one of the more brutal and nasty fights of the Civil War (that no one seems to talk about much), but I would also argue Timothy B. Smith’s book is up there with the best “battlefield†books covering the war. His grasp of the battle’s ebb and flow, combined with his exhaustive research, make the book an effortless and enjoyable read; though not as complex a fight as some Civil War battles, this is still a masterful job on Smith’s part.
The Uncivil War: Irregular Warfare in the Upper South, 1861-1865
by Robert R. Mackey
From the “Campaigns and Commanders†series comes this excellent case study on “irregular†warfare. As we known, the decline of “Conciliatory†warfare to “hard war†started first along the Trans-Mississippi. And there is a reason for that! Mackey’s book does not only examine the West, but also the Eastern theater as well. A well balanced book with some interesting arguments.
Nothing but Victory: The Army of the Tennessee, 1861-1865
by Steven E. Woodworth
Not everyone will agree with me on this one, but I liked Woodworth’s presentation overall, though I thought he was a bit hard (and consistently) on McClernand. But I enjoyed the book and it covered the campaign with a flowing narrative that was adequately researched. Yes, he slants hard to Grant, but I was okay with it.
Major General John Alexander McClernand: Politician in Uniform
by Richard L. Kiper
To think that someone would even try to give McClernand, this “obscure†political general, a fair shake was a nice thing to see. Kiper also defends, to a degree, McClernand, which was also nice to see. In the face of the abuse McClernand has universally received from historians, Kiper’s book was refreshing.
Grant Moves South: 1861 – 1863
by Bruce Catton
The best study of Grant’s early career, hands down. Well, in my opinion at least. Catton is a masterful writer and an excellent historian. Yes, another Grant cheerleader, but maybe that’s because Grant is worth it! This book was not only one of the first I ever read on the Civil War, but is still one of my favorites.
Nathan Bedford Forrest: A Biography
by Jack Hurst
An excellent character (and military) study of the man Sherman called “the Devil.†Forrest was a brilliant tactician, and simply an interesting person. Regardless of his deeds, both excellent and bad, he deserves study.
A Wisconsin Boy in Dixie: Civil War Letters of James K. Newton
by Stephen E. Ambrose
Ambrose has taken a beating as a historian, and rightfully so. But this book, which he simply edited and not as in depth as some, is a wonderful read because of James K. Newton. His letters and insights concerning the war and so many other things was a joy to read.
Rock of Chickamauga: The Life of General George H. Thomas
by Freeman Cleaves
George H. Thomas is one of the most underrated Civil War generals, in my opinion, and one of my favorites. Though Cleaves book is at times a bit stuffy, it is still the leading source on Thomas. (Frankly, I think we’re still waiting for a truly “great†book on George H. Thomas.)
