Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Stillness at Appomattox summary
Brief summary
A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton is a powerful account of the final year of the Civil War. It vividly portrays the courage and suffering of soldiers on both sides, and provides a compelling narrative of the war's end.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Stillness at Appomattox
Summary of key ideas
War's End and Its Aftermath
In A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton, we are transported to the final year of the American Civil War. The book begins with the Union Army under General Ulysses S. Grant's command, launching a series of offensives against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee. The battles are brutal and costly, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Despite the losses, Grant's relentless strategy of attrition begins to take its toll on the Confederacy. The Union forces, with their superior numbers and resources, gradually wear down the Confederate army. Lee, recognizing the dire situation, attempts to break out of the siege at Petersburg, but his efforts are in vain. The Union forces cut off his escape route, leading to the fall of Petersburg and Richmond, the Confederate capital.
The Surrender and Its Symbolism
As the Union forces close in on Lee's army, the Confederate general realizes that further resistance is futile. In a poignant moment, Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. The terms of surrender are generous, with Grant allowing the Confederate soldiers to return home with their horses and mules, recognizing that they will need them for the upcoming planting season.
The surrender at Appomattox marks the symbolic end of the Civil War. Catton describes the scene in vivid detail, emphasizing the respect and dignity with which Grant treats Lee and his men. The Union victory is not a triumph of conquest, but a reconciliation between the warring factions, setting the stage for the nation's healing and reconstruction.
Aftermath and the Road to Reconciliation
Following the surrender, the Union Army begins the process of demobilization, sending soldiers back to their homes. The Confederate soldiers, too, return to their devastated homeland, facing an uncertain future. The war has left the South in ruins, its economy shattered, and its social fabric torn apart. The process of rebuilding and reconciliation will be long and arduous.
As the war ends, so does the life of President Abraham Lincoln, assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. His death casts a pall over the nation, threatening to derail the fragile peace. However, his successor, Andrew Johnson, takes steps to restore the Union and offer a path to reconciliation for the defeated South.
Reflections on the War's Impact
In the final chapters of A Stillness at Appomattox, Catton reflects on the profound impact of the Civil War. He emphasizes the war's transformative effect on the nation, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The conflict has settled the question of secession and slavery, but it has also left deep scars that will take generations to heal.
In conclusion, A Stillness at Appomattox offers a poignant and insightful account of the final year of the Civil War. Catton's narrative skillfully captures the human drama of the conflict, from the battlefield to the negotiating table. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the resilience of the American spirit in the face of adversity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Stillness at Appomattox about?
A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton is a historical account of the final year of the American Civil War. It provides a detailed and compelling narrative of the battles and events that led to the eventual surrender of the Confederate army at Appomattox, Virginia. Through firsthand accounts and meticulous research, Catton brings to life the struggles and sacrifices of both Union and Confederate soldiers, offering a poignant reflection on the war's profound impact on the nation.
A Stillness at Appomattox Review
A Stillness at Appomattox (1953) is a captivating historical account that sheds light on the final stages of the American Civil War. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- The book presents vivid descriptions of the war's last days, offering a unique perspective on the key events and individuals involved.
- With its meticulous research and attention to detail, it provides a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by both the Union and Confederate forces.
- Through its engaging storytelling and compelling narrative, the book captures the human stories and emotions amidst the chaos, making it an absorbing read.
Who should read A Stillness at Appomattox?
- History enthusiasts who want to understand the events and people surrounding the Civil War
- Readers interested in military strategy and tactics
- Individuals who enjoy biographies and character studies of historical figures
Categories with A Stillness at Appomattox
Book summaries like A Stillness at Appomattox
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Stillness at Appomattox FAQs
What is the main message of A Stillness at Appomattox?
The main message of A Stillness at Appomattox is the story of the American Civil War and the final moments of the conflict.
How long does it take to read A Stillness at Appomattox?
A Stillness at Appomattox can be read in several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is A Stillness at Appomattox a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Stillness at Appomattox is worth reading for its detailed account of the end of the Civil War and its impact on American history.
Who is the author of A Stillness at Appomattox?
Bruce Catton is the author of A Stillness at Appomattox.
What to read after A Stillness at Appomattox?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Stillness at Appomattox, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley