The Confederate Nation: 1861-1865 – The Standard History of Civil War Politics and the Southern Military Experience

This book is not exactly a page turner, but the writing is good enough and the material is interesting. I read this book after I took a Civil War history class. Of course, most of the books we read for that class were written from the Union perspective (a good deal of McPherson, etc.). The one thing I really appreciated about this book is that I feel it presented the Confederate experience by chronicling the events of the Civil War completely from the vantage point of the Confederacy. That it to say, Thomas doesn't even bother with the Union perspective; that has been thoroughly covered by other authors. Thomas focuses on the Confederacy throughout, and does a good job of conveying the Southern experience.I think one of this book's strongest characteristics is that it is honest about the Confederacy. This trait manifests itself in both positive and negative feedback. Thomas praises the South in areas where it deserves praise, and yet is honest about some of the paradox inherent in the Confederate experiment. On the whole, I would say that Thomas is probably more friendly to the South than most Civil War authors, but that only made his book all the more refreshing.I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about how the Confederates perceived their own actions and the events of the Civil War in general. The book is a bit dated, but I didn't feel that it read as such. This book challenged some of my preconceptions about the South, and yet it said nothing that I felt was flagrantly disagreeable. Thomas is a little slow to come out with his thesis, but once he does he supports it thoroughly.

This is the definitive book about the Confederacy. It is meticulously researched and footnoted and, along with the author’s stellar companion volume “Robert E. Lee, it presents perhaps the two most valuable synoptic sources on the South’s politics, economy and social changes both before and during the war. The principal military engagements are explored as are the forays into internationalism. The author exposes the myth of the “Moonlight and Magnolias” image of the old South and shows how this bloody conflict was seemingly unavoidable.

The Confederate Nation: 1861-1865 is a compelling, thoughtful and thoroughly researched book that provides the reader with a quick, yet comprehensive insight on the affairs of the failed Confederate state from its inception in 1861 up until its dissolution in 1865.For all the research that the author carried out to write this fine manuscript, however, its succint character renders it unable to tap on its full potential, rendering the book lacking if you expect it to convey anything more than a quick glimpse of the secessionist effort and the problems that beset the fledgling nation.All in all, a most worthwhile read, especially for those seeking a major overview of the Confederate States of America during its turbulent existence - which I did. Readers that are looking for a more concise overview or those who are already versed in the subject, however, may do well in skipping this title.

This is yet another fine volume in the New American Nation Series - each book a masterpiece of concise, authoritative writing. This is the kind of book that makes fine history writing a joy to read! Highest honors without question!!

If you're interested in the Confederate government, their Congress, and their people, this is an interesting read. Also talks a little about Rebel strategy, their leaders, and some of the battles. As well as the feelings within the country. Drags a little bit at times, but not too bad. I breezed thru it in a week.

One of the best books ever written about the Civil War experience in the South, "behind the lines." Politics, science, culture, economics, and religion are all addressed in this classic. An excellent work on how Jefferson Davis and his government violated key tenets of Southern politics and culture in their effort to hold the Confederacy together, and how it would have all collapsed so much earlier if left in the hands of "states rights".

although there were a few 'northern biased' viewpoints. ie his vsn of Quantril's despicable acts which didn't hold a candlestick to WT Sherman who was a thousand x worse, yet little was said of him.

For someone who is not an historian or expert in USA history, so far it's being and entertaining and easy-to-read account of the origins of the Civil War and the southern society of the time.

This was a very good read - there are plenty of good insights and the style is a good blend between the needs of the historian and of the general reader.

it was good although the package was damaged which led to the book being slightly damaged. although this is only a minor fault and I still received good service.