north and south the television mini series be to the 80 what rich man and poor man ( the first ever tv mini series ) be to the 70 . it a fabulous adaptation of the first classic novel in the trilogy from author john jakes . the story itself cover the two decade lead up to the year of the election of president abraham lincoln and the imminent proclamation of the civil war north versus south . the intertwine story evolve around the family of the hazard ( the north in the title ) and the main and their two central figure of george and orry who form a friendship whilst embark on their west point training in 1842. north and south be a wonderful historic timeline and a i have grow old ( and wiser . ) it very much interest me to learn about the contrast attitude to such controversial aspect a slavery and abolitionist and and how these attitude originate . the series also portray some great characterisation development a we get to know about the friend and enemy in george and orry life and and also the woman that steal their heart a young men . this aspect of the story also uncover a romantic tale that be set to the turbulent backdrop of the american civil war . north and south and along with rich man and poor man be overshadow by 1977 root a the great mini series of all time . however and it do come a close second or third and also share the same kind of timeline and theme a root . but and do not let this one get away and even if it just to see the great scenery and costume and and brilliant all star cast include gene kelly and johnny cash and elizabeth taylor and james stewart and olivia de havilland and lesley anne down et al . the series be beautifully craft and be firmly tie to actual historic event and it a pity the emmy and golden globe do not honour a lot more of the actor and actress for their portrayal . patrick swayze and james read and the two virtual unknown lead actor at the time and turn in compel performance a orry main and george hazard respectively . however and it kirstie alley rivet performance a george abolitionist sister virgilia that steal the show many time . plus and terri garber and david carradine and philip casnoff a elkanah bent be the delicious villain of the piece you just love to hate . north and south book 1 and 2 be now available on two dvd set .