What is the best history book on the US Civil War?

Answer 1

Authors like Shelby Foote & Bruce Catton are good storytellers, so their volumes are enjoyable. But if you are looking for the solidest historical work (AND well-written), try James McPherson's *The Battle Cry of Freedom*. It is now considered THE standard.

(Not quite as readable, but more thorough, and including an excellent section on Reconstruction is McPherson's earlier work *Ordeal by Fire*. My own decision was to buy *Battle Cry*, and borrow *Ordeal* from the library. )

Answer 2

I would have to say the Three Volume set by Shelby Foote. A wonderful compressive look at the Civil War.