Hi Askhistorians!
I am a quite naive passionate of history. That means that I love history or history book but I am not a professional. I would like to have a good reading about the American Civil War. In particular I'm searching a book that address this topics in particular:
Generally, I would like something to bring me over the "pro-vs-against-slavery framework". If you think that one single book can not cover appropriately the issues above, I'm more than ready to take suggestions on several books.
Thank in advance fellows.
As a historian inside my own field, I feel confident making an authoritative call. /u/TheHIV123 is correct: choose Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson as the first thing you read on the subject. Then keep it handy as you read more.
Do not read John Keegan's "The American Civil War" - it is rubbish. Only read Shelby Foote after reading multiple other more modern works on the subject.
Not an expert in the Civil War, but check out the recommended Civil War period books in our /r/AskHistorians wiki (http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books/americas#wiki_united_states) for some great recommendations by experts in the field.
If you're interested in tactical/strategic issues, I recommend Taken at the Flood: Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Strategy in the Maryland Campaign of 1862 by Joseph Harsh.
Thanks to all guys!
As a single, introductory book to the Americal Civil War I would suggest Shelby Foote's "The Civil War: A Narrative" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Civil_War:_A_Narrative