The Centennial History of the Civil War 3 VOLUME SET (The Coming Fury / Terrible Swift Sword / Never Call Retreat) by Bruce Catton - 1961, 1963, 1965

The Centennial History of the Civil War 3 VOLUME SET (The Coming Fury / Terrible Swift Sword / Never Call Retreat) by Bruce Catton.

Bruce Catton's monumental Centennial History of the Civil War complete in three volumes. Catton shows how the Union and Confederacy, slowly and inexorably, reconciled themselves to an all-out war—an epic struggle for freedom.

Mixed printings. None are ex-library or remainder copies.

All are stated first editions NOT BOMC printings.

Bookseller's note: This is a quality copy of the set. And it's priced accordingly. If you are looking for a good reading copy check my other listing which has no dust jackets and is cheaper:

https://www.biblio.com/books/1569379766.html?view=1

Multivolume set is heavier than standard book; S&H will be adjusted.

The Coming Fury Hardcover Cloth 565 pages with index plus five maps and two graphs. Maps on endpapers. Condition Very Good Dust Jacket Very Good. Stated First edition 1961. Lovely grey and pale blue boards with black and silver embossing shows off this tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Book Well kept and carefully stored with Slight shelf wear. Faded red topstain. Pages are lightly toned. An unclipped dust jacket smooth and clean with a few tears, wrinkles and chips; the usual shelf wear.

Terrible Swift Sword ISBN 9780385026147 Hardcover Cloth 559 pages. Condition Very Good Dust Jacket Very Good. Stated First edition 1963. Lovely grey and red boards with silver and black embossing shows off this tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Book Well kept and carefully stored with Slight shelf wear. Pages are lightly toned. An unclipped dust jacket smooth and clean with a few tears, wrinkles and chips; the usual shelf wear.

Never Call Retreat ISBN 9780385026154 Hardcover Cloth 555 pages. Condition Very Good Dust Jacket Very Good. Stated First edition 1965. Lovely grey and green boards and silver and embossing shows off this tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Book Well kept and carefully stored with Slight shelf wear. Pages are lightly toned. An unclipped dust jacket smooth and clean with a few tears, wrinkles and chips; the usual shelf wear.

Volume 1: The Coming Fury documents the initial progress of the conflict from the secession crisis triggered by the 1860 election results to the conclusion of First Bull Run. Picking up as it does in 1860 the book is a remarkable introduction to the U.S. Civil War, not least because of the engaging style that Catton brings to the field of popular history. Over sixty years after its publication, the book still holds up superbly, and retains a place on the list of essential Civil War reads.

Volume 2: In Terrible Swift Sword, Bruce Catton tells the story of the Civil War as never before—of two turning points which changed the scope and meaning of the war. First, he describes how the war slowly but steadily got out of control. This would not be the neat, short, "limited" war both sides had envisioned. And then the author reveals how the sweeping force of all-out conflict changed the war's purpose, in turning it into a war for human freedom. It was not initially a war against slavery. Instead, this was, Mr. Lincoln kept insisting, a fight to reunite the United States.

At first, it was not even much of a fight. Cautious generals; inexperienced, incompetent, or jealous administrators; shortages of good people and supplies; excess of both gloom and optimism, kept each side from swinging into decisive action. As the buildup began, there were maddening delays. The earliest engagements were halting and inconclusive.

After these first tests at arms, reputations began to crumble. Buell, Halleck, Beauregard Albert Sidney Johnston. Failed to drive ahead—for reasons good and bad. General McClellan (impaled in these pages on the arrogant words of his letters) captured more imaginations than enemies, and continued to accept serious over estimates of Confederate strength while becoming more and more fatally estranged from his own government.

Volume 3 The final volume of Bruce Catton's monumental Centennial History of the Civil War traces the war from Fredericksburg through the succeeding grim and relentless campaigns to the Courthouse at Appomattox and the death of Lincoln.

This is an eloquent study of the bitterest years of the war when death slashed the country with a brutality unparalleled in the history of the United States. Through the kaleidoscope tone and temper of the struggle, two men, different in stature, but similar in dedication to their awesome tasks, grappled with the burden of being leaders both in politics and war.

In the north Lincoln remained resolute in the belief that a house divided against itself could not stand. His determination and uncanny vision of the destiny of the country and its people far transcended the plaguing tensions, fears, and frustrations of his cabinet and Congress. Mr. Lincoln's use of vast resources is brilliantly contrasted to Davis's valiant struggle for political and economic stability in a hopelessly fragmented and underdeveloped south.

Though Davis never lacked for spirit and dedication, his handicaps were severe. This was not a war to be won by static ideals and romanticism. As Mr. Lincoln managed to expand and intensify the ideals that sustained the Northern war effort, Mr. Davis was never able to enlarge the South's.

This was a war to be won by flexibility in thought, strength in supplies, and battles. And so they were fought––Fredericksburg, The Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, Gettysburg.