A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton chronicles the final campaign of the Civil War in Virginia, highlighting General Ulysses S. Grant's strategic moves and battles leading to the Confederate Army's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865. It examines the strategies, messages, and personal experiences of soldiers confronting the war's violence and uncertainty. The book contains graphic descriptions of intense battle violence and casualties which may be distressing for some readers.

Informative

Contemplative

Melancholic

Mysterious

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.5

7,373 ratings

88%

Loved it

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Bruce Catton's A Stillness at Appomattox is heralded for its vivid narrative, rich detail, and insightful examination of the final year of the Civil War, capturing the human and tactical aspects effectively. Critics praise its compelling storytelling but note occasional biases and the dense prose may challenge some readers. Overall, it remains a respected work in historical literature.

Who Should Read A Stillness at Appomattox?

A reader who would enjoy A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton is likely a history enthusiast, particularly of the American Civil War. They appreciate detailed narrative history, much like readers of Shelby Foote's The Civil War: A Narrative or Stephen E. Ambrose's D-Day June 6, 1944.

4.5

7,373 ratings

88%

Loved it

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

The Book Brief page features content created with AI tools guided by SuperSummary experts. Read our content pledge to explore how we innovate using AI combined with deep literary knowledge.

Book Details

Pages

438

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Historical Fiction

•

American Literature

•

Classic Fiction

Period