512. A Short History of the Civil War (Ordeal by Fire), by Fletcher Pratt (read 26 May 1957) I found this a good short history of the Civil War. ( )

This is one of the first histories of the Civil War from a Northern perspective. Lyrical and engaging, it covers the primary battles, the major actors, and the political currents of the war, along with interludes that 'bring history to life' by showing contemporary views of the time of events both large and small. It was also one of the first histories that credited Northern generals and armies, and Lincoln's politicial acumen, as well as Northern manufacturing, for the North's eventual victory. ( )