A Stillness at Appomattox
A Stillness at Appomattox
Book Brief
438
Book • Nonfiction
•
American Literature•
Classic FictionAppomattox, Virginia • 1860s
•
Military & War•
World History1953
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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
7,373 ratings
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.
7,373 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton won the 1954 Pulitzer Prize for History and the National Book Award for Nonfiction, marking it as a significant work in the historical literature on the American Civil War.
Bruce Catton's work is renowned for combining meticulous historical research with a narrative style that often presents events in a vivid and engaging manner, which helped to popularize historical non-fiction at the time.
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The book is part of the "Army of the Potomac" trilogy, which traces the history of the Union Army's principal war-time Eastern Theater unit, offering a nuanced perspective on their experiences during the Civil War.
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438
Book • Nonfiction
•
American Literature•
Classic FictionAppomattox, Virginia • 1860s
•
Military & War•
World History1953
Adult
18+ years
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