Synopsis
This history of the American Civil War focuses on technology and military innovations derived from the Napoleonic, Mexican, and other previous wars. The author examines the Civil War's impact on subsequent wars, providing a general overview of what he calls the "War of Northern Aggression." Bibliographies of recommended Civil War literature--organized by category--follow each section. Illustrated with photographs.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1998-08-01 | | Series: | Harvest Book Series |
| Size | | Length: | 281 pages | | Height: | 9.3 in | | Width: | 6.3 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 15.2 oz |
Publisher's Note
Unique among books about the American Civil War, this concise and informative military history is both a comprehensive overview for the beginner and an eye opening analysis for the Civil War buff. Hattaway places the conflict within the broad context of evolving warfare and, through colorful anecdotes, discusses how technological innovations such as mines, automatic weapons, and submarines change the configuration of the battlefield and the very face of modern warfare.
Drawing upon his own research as well as the most up to date findings of recent scholars, he explores the composition of the Confederate and Union armies and offers dramatic examples of how military professionalism succeeded and sometimes clashed with an army recruited from the masses. Importantly, Hattaway concludes that many of the military lessons offered by the Civil War were directly applicable to battle situations in subsequent wars (including both world wars) but unfortunately for humankind infrequently heeded.
Unique to books on the Civil War, this concise and informative introductory military history discusses how technological innovations changed the configuration of the battlefield and the very face of war. 27 photos. 4 maps.
Industry Reviews
"There is no other one-volume history of the Civil War that is so up-to-date in its author's mastery of current scholarship on the war, that so succinctly yet completel summarizes the military history of the war....Anything Herman Hattaway says on the Civil War has to be taken seriously."
Weigley
"Those searching for a clear, persuasive introduction to the way in which battles shaped new strategies and new idea of war could find no better or more compelling guide."
Runciman
"Shades Of Blue And Gray" is a splendid introduction to the military history of the American Civil War (1861-1865). Shades Of Blue And Gray emphasizes Civil War technology and its impact. The innovations included land and sea mines, minesweepers, hand grenades, automatic weapons, the Confederate submarine, and balloons. The evolution of professionalism in the American military serves as an important connective theme throughout. Historian Herman Hattaway extrapolates from recent works by revisionists William Skelton and Roy Roberts to convincingly illustrate that the development of military professionalism is not entirely a post-Civil War phenomenon. The advances of other Civil War scholars is also incorporated, and Hattaway further enhances the value of "Shades Of Blue And Gray" by commenting on some of the best fiction and nonfiction available in his recommended reading lists. Informative, authoritative, and articulate, "Shades Of Blue And Gray" is a highly recommended introduction to the beginning student, and holds much of interest and value for the experienced scholar as well.
Ritchie
"In a world awash in books about the war...it's dangerous to anoint any one as necessary for a complete library. But with 'Shades of Blue and Gray', Mr. Hattaway has produced a volume that is simultaneously informative and entertaining."
Hochschild
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