Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War

This book was interesting in that its main focus was the final year of the conflict. In order to do so, it often had to delve back into time, so at times it almost felt the booms jumped back and forth a bit. However, it weaved political, social and war themes together to describe all the factors leading to the end of the war.

as described

I love history but I have a gap in my knowledge when it comes to the US Civil War. This book tells about the final year of the war. It shares in Franky detail, about the horrors and suffering. Sometimes it dwells too much on battlefield strategy but some readers will like that. This is an awesome author and his books are must reads.

Great book! After reading Rebel Yell, I immediately ordered this and finished it in a week. Gwynne has become one of my favorite historical authors with his ability to make history read like a novel. Can’t recommend his work enough!

A fascinating book. It's a little hard to read in places where the actual weapons are described. I have learned more in this book than ever before. Absolutely eye-opening about some of the actions and reactions of the people who were involved in that war. I believe the book is brutally honest in the decision makings of our politicians and leaders. Should be a MUST read in history classes.

The major players are highlighted in the final year of struggle between the armies of the Northern and Confederate States. In one tragic story after another several crucial questions are addressed. Would it have been possible for the Democratic Candidate, George McClellan to defeat Lincoln in the election of 1864? Yes! And what would have happened if Lincoln had lost? Would there have been an immediate armistice followed by negotiations? The Southern Confederacy, ever faithful to the Rebel Cause, was determined to keep fighting even if it meant continuing the war with Guerrilla fighters like Confederate Scout John S. Mosby. How could Grant bring the South to their knees without crushing everything the South held dear? Would the South run out of men and be forced to engage Confederate Colored Troops as the Northern Army had? Unthinkable! When colored troops were employed by the Union Army, how were they treated? We learn that they were left to die wounded in the battlefield or shot rather than be taken as prisoners of war. From logistics in the battlefield hospitals to political bureaucracy in Washington DC or Richmond we learn how the war was slowly grinding to an end. Even if you have read many books on the Civil War this book is worth reading. It is a sobering, thoughtful, flowing account of the last year in a pivotal point in the history of the U.S.

This is my second book that I have purchased on Amazon that was written by Mr. Gwynne. I had a hard time putting the book down. It was a page turner for me! The research that went into this book, and his style of writing is second to none. Great Book!

I bought this after reading Rebel Yell. It is a worthy read, covering the end of the civil war (which I lacked an awareness of).

Learned a lot reading this. Great overview of the war and good insights.