American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

Hello everyone.

I am a bit out of order posting this here instead of in the Book Forum but not many have visited that Forum lately.

My question for you (from my post as a UMA trainer) is what 1 book would you recommend to a cadet if he asked for such to be introduced to the history of the ACW?

My second question is what series of books (e.g. the Shelby Foote Trilogy) would you recommend for a deeper dive into that same history?

FYI my recommendation in response to my first question is Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson.

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Walter A. Dortch
Commanding -/4/V AotP
UA Cabinet Secretary
UA Operations Officer
UA Wolverine Team Leader

A good question Walt and one worth sharing it with all!

McPherson's book is a solid one to start with for sure.

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General Scott Ludwig
4/II/ANV

Best Stand-Alone Work

In my opinion I don't think that there are any stand-alone works that adequately cover the history of the Civil War.

As 'cadets' were mentioned I'm guessing they may be more interested in the military aspects of the war. If so, in that respect, I would recommend two books that are excellent from that aspect. Both were written by Paddy Griffith.

Battle in the Civil War: Generalship and Tactics in America, 1861-65. A slim volume that covers all the main aspects of Civil War warfare. An excellent introduction to the strategy and tactics used in that war.
Battle Tactics of the Civil War. A more analytic and academic work. Covers it all really. [Flicking through it as I wrote this I noticed that in the Command and Control chapter Griffth even discusses the role of bugle calls.]

Best Multi-Volume Work

For me it's still Foote's The Civil War: A Narrative. It still remains my 'go-to' that I consult before wandering off elsewhere in search of more information.

You Didn't Ask, But ...

I would also recommend any of Bradley Gottfried's 'Maps of ...' books (Link https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/384511.Bradley_M_Gottfried). If he has written one about your favourite campaign or battle it's an invaluable resource. Each one is extensively researched but presented in simple manner where there is usually an average of one page of prose per map as you are gradually taken through the campaign/battles.
Wonderful books, I'm fortunate to have them all (one signed by the author). A few years ago Gottfried replied to my post on another forum saying that he did have the 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign on his to-do list (as well as the 1864 campaigns). Regrettably I'm still waiting for that one to be published.

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Paul Swanson
Lieutenant-General
First Division
First Corps
Army of Northern Virginia

I highly recommend the series "Lee' Lieutenants". Also, the single volume from the USMA of Civil War Maps.

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Jim Gleason LTG
LTG 3-3-II AoP

Hello Jim and Paul.

Thanks for taking the time to post your recommendations!

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Walter A. Dortch
Commanding -/4/V AotP
UA Cabinet Secretary
UA Operations Officer
UA Wolverine Team Leader

"Battle Cry of Freedom" by James McPherson, is the very one I was thinking of as I read your post. (Great minds think alike? Or did I just get lucky? )

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General 'Dee Dubya' Mallory

General Dortch <salute>

A fine post Sir.

The need to provide good and solid historical information to cadets on joining the ACWGC is a crucial aspect of the training academy. A point well noted and raised by you Sir.

It is, I suggest however, a difficult question to answer, as there are many cadets who join the ranks and with varying levels of historical knowledge and or interest in this regard. The Shelby Foote Trilogy as noted, without doubt, must be considered a fine historical account of the Civil War, but heavy going perhaps to a cadet not familiar with the period. As Quaama noted is his response, Paddy Griffith's works generally are without doubt worthy material for any cadet. Paddy Griffith being a lecturer in wargame studies at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and hence his works have much to offer any aspiring wargamer or cadet.

I further suggest that there are many cadets who may only require and aspire to a more operational and tactical view of the Civil War and how it is played within our CWB games here at the ACWGC. In this regard it can only be proposed that the information available at the Union War Library and CSA War College in the ACWGC will provide them with a wealth of the information necessary to assist them in their journey to higher command and greater things within the club environment.

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Karl McEntegart
Major General
Officer Commanding
Army of Tennessee





Make my enemy brave and strong, so that if defeated, I will not be ashamed.

I second Paul's mention of Bradley Gottfried's books.

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General Scott Ludwig
4/II/ANV

I would also suggest The Quest for Annihilation
(The Role & Mechanics of Battle in the American Civil War)
by Christopher Perello
I bought this from Strategy & Tactics

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Gen Lynn Newell
Army Of the Potomac
V Corp
Commander