The Civil War

A fully revised and updated guide to America’s bloodiest and most divisive conflict – 165 years on.

Comprehensive and packed with contemporary paintings, photographs, maps, and important artefacts, The American Civil War explores the history, causes, and consequences of the war – with eyewitness accounts from soldiers and civilians, profiles of military leaders and other key figures, and timelines that give an overview of the changing course of the fighting.

Fully revised and updated, The American Civil War is packed with information on the course of the battle and locations of particular importance, with detailed coverage of related topics such as slavery and the treatment of wounded soldiers, providing a rich and detailed account of one of the most controversial conflicts ever fought.

In this book, you will find:

• More than 500 images, including dramatic battlefield paintings and photographs, and galleries of weapons, equipment, and other artefacts
• First-hand accounts of the conflict from soldiers and civilians alike
• Fascinating biographies of important figures – from Abraham Lincoln to Jefferson Davis
• Detailed coverage of broader subjects, such as the treatment of prisoners, and what the war meant for women, American Indians, and Black Americans

Publishing in 2026, ahead of America 250 – the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA –alongside DK’s The American Revolution and The History of the USA Year by Year, this is the ultimate guide to the American Civil War, which started 65 years later in 1861.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs