What This Cruel War Was Over
What This Cruel War Was Over
Nonfiction | Collection of Letters | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Brief
What This Cruel War Was Over
Nonfiction | Collection of Letters | Adult | Published in 2007368
Collection of Letters • Nonfiction
USA • 1860s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In What This Cruel War Was Over, Chandra Manning uses letters and documents from the Civil War era to reveal that, contrary to later revisionist takes, soldiers on both sides understood the war was fundamentally about slavery. She explores the rise of abolitionism, the influence of religious revivals, and the complex views of freedom and race held by Northern and Southern soldiers alike. The book discusses themes of racism and slavery.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
614 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
What This Cruel War Was Over by Chandra Manning offers a compelling examination of the Civil War from a soldier's perspective. Reviewers appreciate its thorough research and vivid storytelling but note that its dense academic tone may deter casual readers. The exploration of race and ideology provides significant insights, though some find it overly detailed. Overall, a valuable contribution to Civil War scholarship.
Who Should Read What This Cruel War Was Over?
Scholars and enthusiasts of Civil War history who appreciated James McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom or Eric Foner's Reconstruction will find What This Cruel War Was Over by Chandra Manning compelling. This reader values in-depth analysis of soldier motivations and racial dynamics within historical conflicts.
614 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Collection of Letters • Nonfiction
USA • 1860s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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