The Civil War was a unique watershed, not only in American 
history but world history. Since the last gun was fired before 
Appomattox, it has fascinated and mesmerized us, as vivid in our 
imaginations as it was real in the lives of those who fought it.
 
    There are many compelling reasons to study that epochal 
event in our past. Not only is it absolutely unique in history, 
not only a watershed that defined us as a nation, but it was a 
war of important firsts, a war to save the democratic form of 
government and the freedoms that we now enjoy. It ended slavery 
in our country and pioneered new ways of waging war on land and 
on the water.

    It catapulted us into a new industrial and technological 
world and destroyed and made fortunes. Its politics were 
fascinating and crucial. It gave birth to a new journalism and 
an impressive body of literature and tested our faith as nothing 
ever has.
 
    This book, written by a noted Civil War historian, expands 
on twenty important reasons why the Civil War should continue to 
be a central study for us all.

_________________________________________________________

JOHN C. WAUGH is a journalist turned historical reporter. After an
eighteen-year career as a correspondent and bureau chief of The
Christian Science Monitor, reporting the twentieth century, he began
instead reporting the nineteenth, specializing in his lifelong
fascination, the Civil War. He has since written eight books about
that pivotal passage in American history, among them the award-
winning The Class of 1846, Reelecting Lincoln, Surviving the
Confederacy, On the Brink of Civil War, and two titles from McWhiney
Foundation Press, Sam Bell Maxey and the Confederate Indians and
Last Stand at Mobile. He has also served on the senior staffs of two
national politicians, former Vice President Nelson Rockefeller and U.S.
Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. "He lives in Pantego, Texas 
and can be reached at waugh@sbcglobal.net for interview."



What people are saying about this book

"The book could also be adapted for direct classroom use as a primer 
on the war and a marvelous lead-in for any of the countless historical
analyses of the war and will well serve teachers interested in making the
war come alive for contemporary times. . . . Highly recommended for all
university libraries and public school libraries."—Review of Texas
Books

". . . a slim volume that is long on substance and sound in thought. . . . 
the insight he renders and the gems he offers invariably induce thought, 
not only about this direct subject but with regard to later periods of 
history as well."—The Texas Review

". . . this book would be a great 'opener' to studying the War. . . . 
excellent . . . simply outstanding."—Eclectic Homeschool Online

"20 Good Reasons to Study the Civil War may emerge as the pivotal 
tool that converts the most jaded student into the most eager to learn 
more."—The Social Studies Texan

"this work would be a great tool for teachers to introduce their students 
to the American Civil War."—William H. Brown, Office of Archives and 
History

Look for a review of this book in the Spring 2005 issue of the East Texas 
Historical Journal.

"a quick, easy read and I heartily recommend it."—The Civil War News

". . . a great aid in the teacher's classroom."—The Civil War Courier

Click this link to see an analysis of this book by CivilWarBookReview.
com.

". . . each reason serves as a lens through which to view the war, and 
as an idea for further research."—Reese Vaughn, Victoria Advocate

"Here at last is a real tonic to those who keep asking why we should
learn about the Civil War today. Its twenty simple reasons with
examples could well be adapted for classroom use, and to good effect.
Indeed, it should be required reading for teachers desperate to find
means to make history come alive. John Waugh has written several
distinguished works of history, but this modest little guide may in
the long run be the most important of all."—William C. Davis, A Taste
for War: The Culinary World of Johnny Reb and Billy Yank

"Jack Waugh is a great writer. His new book—20 Good Reasons to 
Study the Civil War—is a masterpiece."—Grady McWhiney, Cracker
Culture

"Another good reason for studying the Civil War is its stimulation of
books like John Waugh's. His easy style invokes the pathos, courage,
the very spirit of the war itself. Readers from professionals to buffs
to raw recruits will enjoy what's in here."—Frank E. Vandiver, 1001
Things Everyone Should Know About the Civil War

"Jack Waugh has written another outstanding book. For those who 
have never studied the history of America's Civil War, it gives glimpses
of exciting vistas to be explored. For those of us who have long
pursued Civil War studies it brilliantly reminds us just why we find
those years of conflict so compelling and endlessly fascinating."
—Steven E. Woodworth, Beneath a Northern Sky: A Short History 
of the Gettysburg Campaign


Other General Civil War Titles



THE CIVIL WAR

1-893114-49-X PAPER

$12.95
JOHNNY REB'S WAR

1-893114-23-6 PAPER

$16.95