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Drawn with the Sword: Reflections on the American Civil WarJames M. McPherson is acclaimed as one of the finest historians writing today and a preeminent commentator on the Civil War. Battle Cry of Freedom, his Pulitzer Prize winning account of that conflict, was a national bestseller that Hugh Brogan, in The New York Times, called "history writing of the highest order." Now, in Drawn With the Sword, McPherson offers a series of thoughtful and engaging essays on some of the most enduring questions of the
James M. McPherson is acclaimed as one of the finest historians writing today and a preeminent commentator on the Civil War. Battle Cry of Freedom, his Pulitzer Prize-winning account of that conflict, was a national bestseller that Hugh Brogan, in The New York Times, called "history writing of the highest order." Now, in Drawn With the Sword, McPherson offers a series of thoughtful and engaging essays on some of the most enduring questions of the Civil War, written in the masterful prose that has become his trademark. Filled with fresh interpretations, puncturing old myths and challenging new ones, Drawn With the Sword explores such questions as why the North won and why the South lost (emphasizing the role of contingency in the Northern victory), whether Southern or Northern aggression began the war, and who really freed the slaves, Abraham Lincoln or the slaves themselves. McPherson offers memorable portraits of the great leaders who people the landscape of the Civil War: Ulysses S. Grant, struggling to write his memoirs with the same courage and determination that marked his successes on the battlefield; Robert E. Lee, a brilliant general and a true gentleman, yet still a product of his time and place; and Abraham Lincoln, the leader and orator whose mythical figure still looms large over our cultural landscape. And McPherson discusses often-ignored issues such as the development of the Civil War into a modern "total war" against both soldiers and civilians, and the international impact of the American Civil War in advancing the cause of republicanism and democracy in countries from Brazil and Cuba to France and England. Of special interest is the final essay, entitled "What's the Matter With History?," a trenchant critique of the field of history today, which McPherson describes here as "more and more about less and less." He writes that professional historians have abandoned narrative history written for the greater audience of educated general readers in favor of impenetrable tomes on minor historical details which serve only to edify other academics, thus leaving the historical education of the general public to films and television programs such as Glory and Ken Burns's PBS documentary The Civil War. Each essay in Drawn With the Sword reveals McPherson's own profound knowledge of the Civil War and of the controversies among historians, presenting all sides in clear and lucid prose and concluding with his own measured and eloquent opinions. Readers will rejoice that McPherson has once again proven by example that history can be both accurate and interesting, informative and well-written. Mark Twain wrote that the Civil War "wrought so profoundly upon the entire national character that the influence cannot be measured short of two or three generations." In Drawn With the Sword, McPherson gracefully and brilliantly illuminates this momentous conflict.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 12/01/1997
ISBN: 9780195117967
Pages: 272
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.30w x 0.80d
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★★★★★ 5
Better than other flimsy trays
Color: Black, Size: Rectangle, Color: Black, Size: Rectangle
I got this to replace another flimsy valet tray I got as a gift. This one is way more sturdier, looks nicer, bigger, and has a nice feel.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Looks great, doesn't hold much so measure carefully
Color: Gray, Size: Rectangle
I got this organizer for my husband to keep his stuff by the door. While it's a little smaller than I'd hoped, it looks great in the entryway. It's super easy to snap together, but feels like the material could be damaged easily if you're not careful. He is able to store his keys, wallet, and sunglasses in it, and throws hit hat on top. Overall we are really happy with it.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Perfect
Color: Blue, Size: Square
Just what I needed. The size is perfect as I didn’t want anything too large to place my watches and other accessories inside near the corner of my desk. Its size is essentially 7x7, and the design is sleek compared to other organizer holders. I got the color in blue and it looks stunning with the rest of my setup. I’m unsure about other reviewers, but mine came safely and the leather walls are decently thick, so it’s not too flimsy when buttoned together which holds very securely. There are hole spaces at the bottom corners once assembled, so if you have super small items such as beads or really small jewelry, they could potentially fall out, but most of my items are large enough that won’t be of concern. If you have a wire charger near by, the holes could be used to charge your smartphone inside, which has its own practical usage. Overall, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re on a lookout for a sleek but compact organizer holder, and I personally will consider getting another one in the future for myself for other household belongings.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Luxury Organization
Color: Pebble Black, Size: 9.5in x 7.9in
Keep your keys, wallet, and all other every day carry items in one, high quality location. Very nice material and build quality that accessorizes my dresser perfectly. The size is appropriate for everything that belongs in your pockets. Overall the best value for your $ I’ve seen, especially if you can catch a discount.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Good quality, good looking
Color: Sand Brown, Size: 9.5in x 7.9in
High quality build and nice-looking. Perfect for my guest room, where people leave wallets and keys and chapstick and sunglasses and whatnot. Love it
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2026