The Civil War 100

August 1, 2006
Lanning takes the unique approach of presenting the Civil War by first identifying and then ranking by order of influence its 100 most significant leaders, battles, and events. He begins with the Battle of Antietam, which he labels the bloodiest day in American military history, and ends with the little-known battle of Palmito Ranch in Texas. The entries include other battles, politicians, military heroes, and what Lanning calls the causes of the conflict. Lincoln, Grant, Lee, Sheridan, Jefferson Davis, John Wilkes Booth, and John Brown are included, as expected. But also documented are such topics as blockades and blockade runners, communications and transportation, war correspondents, draft riots, and black soldiers and sailors. A map, photographs, or illustrations supplement each entry.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)

June 1, 2007
Gr 7 Up-Lanning presents his list of battles, people, and events according to their influence on the outcome of the war and the future of the country, and not their contemporary prominence or importance. After a brief note to explain his approach, he begins with the battle of Antietam. Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant are second and third, followed by the battle of Gettysburg, and Robert E. Lee. The list continues with its roster of military men (no women); military campaigns; documents, such as the Emancipation Proclamation; places; and specific subjects such as weapons technology, war correspondents, and draft riots. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is ranked at 49th in influence. Unique listings include music and "Presidents of the Future." At number 100 is Palmito Ranch, May 1213, 1865, for no other reason than because it was the last battle of the war. The entries are three to four pages in length and often include a map or photograph of the subject. The cross-referencing is excellent. There are no citations in the text but a lengthy bibliography is included. This volume will entice casual readers and researchers alike."Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.