The Destructive War

The Destructive War: William Tecumseh Sherman, Stonewall Jackson, and the Americans is a book written by Charles Royster. The book was published in 1993 by Vintage Books. "The Destructive War" details the lives of William Tecumseh Sherman and Stonewall Jackson and their respective roles in the American Civil War. Through these dual biographies, Royster explores the meaning of patriotism in the face of war and bloodshed.
Awards.
1992 Bancroft Prize
1992 Charles S. Sydnor Award
1992 Lincoln Prize
Reception.
"One of the most original and stimulating books on the Civil War in many years."
"An illuminating interpretation."
"Royster’s intriguing analyses fill every page with new information and offer a fresh interpretation of our bloodiest conflict…exhaustively researched, artistically written, brilliantly argued."
"A fascinating history of the ideas held by the people who fought the war…fresh, intriguing, philosophical." 
"Royster’s intriguing analyses fill every page with new information and offer a fresh interpretation of our bloodiest conflict…exhaustively researched, artistically written, brilliantly argued."