This Mighty Scourge

Essays which collectively illustrate his customary mastery of the field. * John Y. Simon, The Journal of Southern History *
Non-fiction books, especially history, rarely earn praise as 'page-turners.' James M. McPherson makes the feat seem routine. A satisfying and insightful set of ruminations that will appeal to both specialists and general readers. Reading his book of essays might be no substitute for having attended his former seminars at Princeton University, but it might be as close a book--and most readers--will get to doing so. * Christopher Phillips, Civil War Book Review *
James M. McPherson again demonstrates that he is our greatest historian of the war...they stand as a remarkably elegant and clarifying narrative exploration of the most basic questions concerning the Civil War, issues over which scholars and activists still contend...This Mighty Scourge, in fact, is an exemplary exercise in the contribution a great historian and eloquent writer can make to a people's understanding of themselves. * The Los Angeles Times *
For readers unfamiliar with McPherson's work, [This Mighty Scourge ] provides a useful introduction - one that, it is to be hoped, will lead them to his masterwork, Battle Cry of Freedom (1988) - and for those who know that work, it provides numerous interesting footnotes. * Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post *
It will seduce anyone, Civil War neophyte or fanatic, for its authority and judgments...There is not a bad chapter in this book. This Mighty Scourge is a marvelous read from a master historian. Like all good history, what it makes you want to do is know more." * The Boston Globe *