An American Iliad: The Story of the Civil War

An extraordinary synthesis by one of the most respected historians in the field. -- James I. Robertson Jr.

Provides a perspective, depth, and insight remarkable for a book of its size and scope. -- Florida Historical Quarterly

As an introduction, you couldn't ask for a better place to start, and for the veteran Civil War reader there are new questions to ponder. -- Richmond Times-Dispatch

May be the best single-volume short history of the war. -- Southern Partisan

The best concise narrative of the war currently available. -- Journal of Mississippi History

New buffs will find this probably the best single volume with which to begin their journey into the war. Teachers will find it a splendid introductory. -- Journal of Southern History

Roland's prose is clear, and especially in the battle segments, quite readable. -- Library Journal

An excellent display of clear, succinct prose... Masterfully groups the myriad of battles into a series of campaigns that introduce all the key commanders and strategic decisions. -- North Carolina Historical Review

This volume is surely the best brief history of the United States and the Confederate State at war. -- Emory M. Thomas

The best introduction to the nation's great trauma. -- Gary W. Gallagher

An American Iliad is a unique addition to a conflict that has filled thousands of pages in the past century. The book is unique because it looks at the entire Civil War in a highly readable and narrative style and in only one volume...Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Roland's book is his comparison of Confederate leaders to Union leaders with a focus on why Lincoln, Grant, and Sherman were ultimately successful on a strategic and tactical level...The book also splendidly outlines the key battles of the Civil War and the impact they would have on the Union and Confederacy...This is an excellent book for those wanting to rediscover the American Civil War, and to launch the tremendous amount of reading required to understand this conflict so integral to the American character. -- The Waterline

Roland wonderfully synthesizes the work and study of generations to produce a sharp and incisive study that will last. -- William C. Davis

This is an excellent book for those wanting to re-discover the American Civil War, and to launch the beginning of an intensive amount of reading to understand this conflict that is integral to the American character. -- Great Lakes Bulletin

Roland's book is the starting point for a serious student to begin his study of the Civil War. -- Larry Freiheit, Roll Call to Destiny Book Contest