Very readable and well written narrative history. Made me almost cry in parts and holler out loud on the train in others (Sherman's capture of Atlanta). The book is certainly a product of the 80s in many regards, for example in the offering by the author of critiques of a certain... brand... of southern historian who don't really have the influence they once did (see, Andersonville). The author I feel does well to address this in the 2003 version. Overall I'd recommend this book for anyone new to the topic, especially non- US citizens.