Bruce Catton, The Centennial History of the Civil War, 3 Vols; 1st Eds.

Description

Bruce Catton’s The Centennial History of the Civil War brought the war to American readers as no other book, or series of books, ever has. The legendary Civil War historian Edwin Cole Bearss once quipped that “People still debate who won the Civil War, but no one can argue who won the Civil War Centennial. Bruce Catton did.”

Nobody has sold more books about the Civil War than Catton, and probably nobody ever will. His elegant writing, his sense of the tragedy of the war, and the thorough underlying research by E. B. and Barbara Long made his Centennial History the origin story that hooked thousands of youngsters on history in the Kennedy era.

Even though masses of this 3-volume work were printed, that popularity alone makes full sets of 1st editions in very good condition scarce. Those kids read the covers off their favorite books. Sets were broken up. Dust jackets were ripped or thrown away. The books came out over five years and not everybody was able to acquire all three in 1st edition.

It is still valuable to find a good 1st edition set. The Coming Fury (1961) 1st edition, dustjacket clipped at bottom of front flap; lightly chipped and toned; lightly bumped; else very good. Terrible Swift Sword (1963) 1st edition, dustjacket shows minor wear; else very good. Never Call Retreat (1965) 1st edition, dustjacket shows minor wear; else very good. A handsome set.

Catton, Bruce. The Centennial History of the Civil War. 3 Volumes. Garden City: Doubleday & Co., 1961-1965. 1st editions, 3 volumes, maps, maps on end pages.