I would like to recomend the following books as a starting point for reading about this great conflict:
THE KILLER ANGELS - Michael Shaara
This is one of the best written books that I have ever read. It was very detailed, and provided well researched information about the Battle Of Gettysburg through the eyes of 4 different men: General Lee and General Longstreet from the South, and Colonel Chamberlain and General Buford. There are segements in the book about many other important men at the battle, including General Hancock and General Armisted. This is one of the most touching tales in the War. Armisted and Hancock are just one of many examples of very good friends divided by different loyalties. They find themselves fighting against each other during Pickett's Charge. This dicussion from so many viewpoints allows insight into both sides of the Battle, and shows you that no matter what they fought for, they were all men, and that results in a powerful story. This is also the book that provided the inspiration for the movie Gettysburg.
GODS AND GENERALS - Jeff Shaara
Michael Sharra's son wrote this book after the release of Gettysburg, and it too will be made into a movie for a hopeful release in 1999. Jeff captured his father's flair and style for telling these stories very well. This book takes us from before the War officially began, and shows some of the events that lead up to it. This time, the story is told from the views of General Jackson and General Lee for the South, and General Hancock and Colonel Chamberlain for the North. It stops just before the Killer Angels picks up, and it is my understanding that the third installment of the series will be released soon. This next book will take us from the end of Gettysburg until the surrender at Appomatix. It promises to be just as amazing as its predecessors.
There have been many books written about the Civil War, and in addition to these I suggest anything by James McPherson or Shelby Foote. They are both excellent historians, and their books are always interesting. There is little chance that you will find a bad book about the Civil War however, and anything you buy is sure to interst you. More reviews coming soon!