The beauty of reading lies behind the fact that it can spark your imagination while still instilling a great number of lessons. In a unique yet efficient way, stories told by every book can widen the knowledge of readers. Books can also magically transport them to different places from the past that are either inflicted with a dash of fictional elements or with full-blown facts.
Indeed, literature has its own method of presenting a story that touches and teaches history. For example, those books take you back to the Civil War and allow you to see how the event impacted the people. Hence, if you are an avid fan of reading but are also fond of learning some historical events, like the Civil War, then we have listed the best titles that suit your preference. Please refer to the books below.
Can’t Hobble the Elephant by Francis J Dutch
Can’t Hobble The Elephant by Francis J Dutch is a remarkable book published in 2013 by Abbott Press. It follows the story of Josh O’Donnell, who was once loyal and have served the Union Army. However, he ran away from the troops and started fresh by working in the West Texas ranch, where he mastered riding and shooting. The former Union army immediately became a violent killer. O’Donnell turns out to have more secrets hidden and is currently haunted by a monster from his past. The more he tries to escape, the more mishaps happen. The question, as the book’s synopsis says, is: “Will he ever be able to hobble the elephant?”
The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War by Michael Shaara
Michael Shaara penned a book titled The Killer Angels in 1974 that was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction a year after its publication. It was preceded by Shaara’s Gods and Generals and was followed by The Last Full Measure. Moreover, the book highlights the Battle of Gettysburg amidst the American Civil War. It also uncovers the preceding event when the soldiers of both sides prepare for battle. What makes the book more engaging is the way it is told by shifting points of view between different historical characters.
March by Geraldine Brooks
In 2005, Viking Press published the historical novel of Geraldine Brooks titled March. It is a clever retelling of the classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. However, the story is told by Mr. March, which is the father of the March sisters. The book narrates the events justifying the absence of Mr. March to participate in the war during the American Civil War takes place in 1862. It reveals how he constantly wrote letters to his beloved family, faced the horrors of the war, and suffered an illness. Furthermore, the book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2006.
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is a classic war novel set during the American Civil War. The first edition of the book was published in 1895. Moreover, it follows the tale of the young private named Henry Fleming. He was a part of the Union Army that was set to combat with the Confederacy. But, he ran away from the battlefield out of fear. After reflecting on his actions, he started to wish for something that could hamper his cowardice, like a wound, which he referred to as a red badge of courage. When another fight was stirring, he served as a standard-bearer, which is the position of the individual upholding the flag.
1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart
This Goodreads Choice Award nominee and national bestselling book were penned by Adam Goodheart. Its reprint edition was published in 2012 by Vintage. 1861: The Civil War Awakening is a captivating and real account of the preceding events that led to the American Civil War and the unraveling of the second American Revolution. It showed how Abraham Lincoln was set on a road for distinction or greatness and how the poor victims of slavery were bestowed their most awaited freedom. The acts of bravery and heroism on the battlefield were also highlighted.
Oliver’s Twist 