Brief book review

In addition to the book I'm currently working through (slowly, to better absorb), I had a chance encounter with this book on a sale rack.  A book about the 'Late Unpleasantness' for less than $5?  I'm there!

The narrative storytelling of this brief-but-effective book was so well done, it read like a thriller novel (except for the very appropriate bibliography at the end!).  I tore through it in short order, unable to quit reading it as time permitted.  As a student of the mid-19th century U.S., I was familiar with the broad outline of the subject (Confederate efforts to counter the Union blockade).  This work really brought out the cast of characters--their strengths and weaknesses, and the highs and lows of watching the fortunes of the North and South trace opposite arcs.  Particularly interesting was the last chapter, which dealt with the postwar diplomatic dance between the victorious Union and the United Kingdom as they sought settlement of the issue of aiding the Confederacy.

If you have any interest in this time period, keep a sharp eye out for this book on the sale racks in stores near you.  There were a handful of copies where I found mine; I suspect other stores will also have it.  Well worth the time and money invested!