James McPherson ( New York: Oxford University Press, 1988)
McPherson's "Battle Cry" is arguably the best single-volume account of the Civil War. Nearly 30 years since its initial publication by Oxford, this book is still being used at the university level to educate students about the Civil War. McPherson not only wrote a masterful narrative, he also sourced the text impeccably. Further, I disagree with some previous reviews that the writer has a political bias, or agenda, if you will. As a Civil War historian, I can confidently state that writing in a neutral voice about this period is one of the most difficult challenges an author faces. McPherson gives ample time to both "sides" of the cause and puts forth well-documented facts. Those who dispute his objectivity have ample resources, provided through detailed footnotes and an extensive bibliography, to research the author's claims.
If you are just becoming interested in the Civil War or seeking to extend your knowledge, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. From novices to academics, this is the one book that must be on your shelf.
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