BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM by James M. McPherson is the best single volume history of the American Civil War. McPherson first describes the economic, social, political, and technological changes that occurred in the United States in the years before the conflict. Then, he carefully and lucidly describes the political environment in America that leads to the election of Abraham Lincoln. This election precipitated the secession of 7 and ultimately 11 southern states.

The secession debate within the southern governments is explained fully. The war itself is described primarily in strategic terms, but with clear descriptions of the human costs of the conflict. He covers the military aspects of the war in all of the necessary detail, and also provides a helpful framework describing the complex economic, political, and social forces behind the conflict.

Perhaps more than any other book, this one belongs on the bookshelf of every Civil War buff.