For almost thirty years The Civil War Dictionary has been the most complete; authoritative; and handy reference book on what has been called the Second American Revolution; 1861-1865. Periodically updated throughout sixteen printings; this invaluable volume has more than 4;000 entries; alphabetically arranged and carefully cross-referenced. Among them:-- 2;000 biographical sketches of Civil War leaders. both military and civilian-- extensive descriptions of all 20 campaigns and entries on lesser battles; engagements and skirmishes-- 120 armies; departments; and districts; as well as such famous smaller units as the Iron Brigade; the 20th Maine; and the Pennsylvania Reserves-- plus naval engagements; weapons; issues and incidents; military terms and definitions; politics; literature; statistics; and 86 specially prepared maps and diagrams
#403009 in Books 1995-11-07 1995-11-07Ingredients: Example IngredientsFormat: Deckle EdgeOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.49 x 1.70 x 6.66l; 2.20 #File Name: 0679416501528 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Making History PalatableBy TravelhoundProof that history books can stand the test of time; this 1988 publication is rich; evocative and a joy to read. The Novocaine for potentially ponderous subject matter is the author's engaging style. Where less skilled writers might have drowned in tiresome detail; Norwich occasionally conjures a breezy; even amusing touch to keep the story moving and the reader involved. He delineates but never wallows in the hideous brutality and endless internecine squabbling of the era; while breathing life into this long-dead; often ignored Christian empire that lasted an incredible thousand years. This first volume of a trilogy covers the birth of Byzantium; sired by Constantine out of the collapsing Roman Empire; and ends with the emergence of Charlemagne at the end of the 8th Century. Research; as one would expect with Norwich's impressive credentials; is impeccable and includes copious footnotes. In addition to color and bw photos is a list of Byzantine monuments surviving in Istanbul; thoughtfully rated by degree of deterioration0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Blood and destruction : The real thingBy CustomerEnjoy "Game of Thrones "? Well; the history of Byzantium out-does it for real! Byzantium : The Early Centuries outdoes fiction in the succession of battles; blindings; castrations and massacres over the first 600 years of the Byzantine Empire. Of particular note is the way Constantine the Great selected the site; protected by the sea on two sides. Another site would not have lasted 1100 years as a political entity because of lack of protection from prolonged siege. An interesting (and disquietening ) side of this saga are the numerous incidents of overweening ambition and the depths many rulers have fallen to over the centuries to gain and hold political power; and how often gaining this power caused nothing but misery for their subjects; and often assassination for themselves. Who in their right mind would want to be Emperor ?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Superb book on a sadly neglected subject.By JB1976Norwich has here filled in a gap in the body of work for the general reader. Byzantium was an important element in world affairs for a millenium and a half yet this is the only book to deal with it as a whole for the non-specialist. Thankfully; he does it well. His style is engaging and he does a good job of condesing all of the information. My only objection is that he could have related campaigns more thoroughly and the changing methods of warfare more than he did. He could have done this by putting less emphasis on building projects and architecture. This only a personal preference however. I strongly recommend all three volumes.
