A comprehensive survey of the American Civil War.

This highly acclaimed mini-series traces the course of the U.S. Civil War from the abolitionist movement through all the major battles to the death of President Lincoln and the beginnings of Reconstruction. The story is mostly told in the words of the participants themselves, through their diaries and letters. Visuals are usually still photographs and illustrations of the time, and the soundtrack is likewise made up of war-era tunes played on period instruments. Several modern-day historians offer periodic comment and insight on the war's causes and events.—Eric Sorensen <[email protected]>

The seventh and most popular television series on earth, this 9-part documentary miniseries focuses on the American Civil War, the most horrifying experience Americans have ever faced. Narrated by David McCullough, and an ensemble cast that consists of Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, Jason Robards, Morgan Freeman, Paul Roebling, Garrison Keillor, George Black, Arthur Miller, Chris Murney, Charley McDowell, Horton Foote, George Plimpton, Philip Bosco, Terry Courier, Jody Powell, Studs Terkel, Derek Jacobi, Jeremy Irons, Kurt Vonnegut, Gene Jones, Jerome Dempsey, Laurence Fishburne, Shelby Foote, Betsy Apple, Carol Craven, Marissa Copeland, Halo Wines, David Marks, Pamela Reed, Ronnie Gilbert, M. Emmet Walsh, Hoyt Axton, John Hartford, Walter McPherson, Colleen Dewhurst, LaTanya Richardson, Bradford Washburn, Jesse Carr, Wendy Tilghman, Joe Mattys and Library of Congress ex-slave recordings.