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Holiday Gift Ideas for the Established Civil War Buff

Wow, where has the time gone? I swear I just posted my Holiday Gift Ideas for the Beginning Civil War Buff last week. Instead, it was a full two weeks ago. Here’s the follow-up.

1. Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz. The author goes on an extended journey to see what the Civil War, or rather, the War Between the States, means today to the modern South. Along the way, he meets historians, heritage groups, and some hardcore reenactors. It’s a fast, easy read that reminds us of what this conflict did to our country and how the ramifications are still going strong.

If you’re interested in learning more, I did write up a review for the book earlier this year.

2. Sid Meier’s Civil War Collection. I love these computer games. Before buying this though, you’ll have to consider the computer specs of the eventual player. These are older games, but if you can make it work, they are great fun—if getting your guys killed is fun.

The realistic and variable elements built into these games really make them playable. Veteran troops fight better than greenhorns. If you march your guys through a forest grove, you better have planned for the extra time it will take them to get through this terrain.

Hills and trees provide a defensive advantage. Your flanks are extra vulnerable. And to top it all off, the play doesn’t stop. These are not turn-based games. If you’re too busy paying attention to your right, you may be losing horribly on the left.

Can you keep track of everything that is happening? Which section of your line needs reinforcing? When is the best time to charge? What will you do when new troops arrive for the other side?

I always find myself talking to the games as I play. I implore the boys to hold for just a little while longer. Reinforcements are coming around the hill. I cheer as my advance pushes them off their line. I apologize when my bone-headed decision causes the decimation of a unit.

They are really interesting games for all those arm chair battle strategists out there. The non-stop action and the difficulty of controlling the men simulates “the fog of war” much better than the chess-piece type games.

3. A trip to Nashville. If you’d like to know why, please read my next post.

Tags: Recommendations by Ms. SP
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