5 comments about Bloody Roads South: The Wilderness to Cold Harbor, May-June 1864 (Bloody Roads South).

1. Good, concise overview of the very bloody (84,000 casualties in approximately 40 days of continuous battle)Virginia Overland Campaign between Robert E. Lee and U. S. Grant in May and June of 1864. Actual battle narrative is relatively brief and to the point. The strength of Mr Trudeau's book comes through his excellent use of personal anecdotes and observations. To hear the actual participants describe the scenes, smells, sounds, and pathos of the battles gives one a better understanding of the horrors of those grisly conflicts. The time of chivalry was over; TOTAL WAR was afoot. As Mr. Trudeau points out, Grant knew how to win, but could his men withstand the gruesome sacrifice during almost 40 days of constant battle? Lee also knew that this was the ultimate crucible and he must use every trick he could to defeat this foe. But, in the end after Cold Harbor and a combined 84,000 casualties, of which only 30,000 were Confederate, who was the victor? Lee knew that he could never replace his valiant fighters, but, Grant knew that he had an almost inexhaustible supply of soldiers and with each battle they were getting better and better. So in the end Grant, "The Butcher" as he was called behind his back, literally ground Lee and his army to dust.
   One inexcusable flaw in this otherwise good Civil War history was the lack of battle maps. To discuss a battle without a good map makes if very difficult to follow the action even for a good civil war buff. I have no clue as to why Mr. Trudeau did not include any good maps in his book. Therefore, I highly recommend that you get several good maps to follow along with his otherwise excellent description of the battles.



2. One of the biggest difficulties authors of war-history are confronted with is keeping the imparitality. Even if you read books about the Roman wars you can read between the lines the admiration for the technical perfection of the invaders or the sympathy for the brave Gauls fighting against all odds. As a rule Civil War historians succumb to the same problem.
   This book is a wonderful exception. That may be because of the structure of the presentation: It is a day-by-day-account, the standpoint, the decisions and the events of either side separated in own phrases. If you are interrested only in the Confederate point of view, you can read the respective phrases and then you only know, what they saw, thought and did. Even between the lines there are no polemics. And the told stories are not only the generals' view but also testimonies of officers, non-commissioned officers and common soldiers.
   The only thing I missed badly were appropriate maps. With the included ones you will get a rough overview, but a lot of the mentioned places you won't find in that book. That's a pity, because otherwise it would have been a perfect one.



3. This is a 330 page account of the entire Overland campaign that reads much like a diary from April to mid June as the Army of the Potomoc goes from north of the Rapidan to Petersburg. The account shifts back and forth from the workings of the two armies to Richmond/Washington and elsewhere.

   Most of the book focuses on primary sources to tell the story, with nice anecdotes on just about every page. However, without the use of footnotes and with only 4 maps total (which are incredibly hard to comprehend), the flow of battle is exceedingly hard to follow.

   This book certainly doesn't compare to the Rhea trilogy that covers the same campaign in any way whatsoever. This is more of a primer for the beginner before reading Rhea's books.




4. An entertaining read to be sure, but also a cut-and-paste account that offers no real analysis and relies too much on post-war sources.



5. This first book of Noah Andre Trudeau's trilogy covering the final stages of the Civil War offers an excellent account of the fighting in the Wilderness and at Cold Harbor between May - June 1864. The personal accounts of the soldiers experiences during the fighting are well presented. The action scenes are well written and the book flows along quite well. An enjoyable book to read for anyone interested in this period of time.

2 comments about The Lincoln Nobody Knows (American Century).

1. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in studying Lincoln or the Civil War. The author does an excellent job in presenting a mostly unbiased opinion. By stating in the introduction that he allows room for error in his opinions, he sets himself aside from the fanatics and characterizes himself more as a historian in search of the truth than as a man trying to paint Lincoln as he thinks he should be viewed. Moreover, the breath, not sacrificing the depth, of this book is incredible. It covers Lincoln's family and personal life and carries the reader all the way through his assassination. The Lincoln Nobody Knows presents Lincoln as both a down to earth man and as a complex, indispensable historical figure. It causes one to revaluate what he previously held to be fact about Lincoln and it allows room for interpretation-the author doesn't always give an opinion for the reader. Most are "inclined, quite naturally, to discover in Lincoln the beliefs that they themselves espouse," (57). This remains feasible since Lincoln will always be an enigma, but to his credit Current presents sound facts for his arguments and presents both sides, drawing upon many respectable sources. He begins by describing Lincoln's personal and family life-his mother's possible illegitimate birth all the way to Lincoln's relationships with women and Ann Rutledge specifically. It then goes into his involvement in the beginnings of the civil war, his policies and their changes, and the way he conducted the war. That being done, the author finishes by discussing his larger role as a politician, an emancipator, a commander in chief, a martyr and a myth. All of this does well in presenting the multidimensionality of Abraham Lincoln, and it makes one realize that there are not easy answers to questions about good old Abe. It is important to note that much of this text is controversial and a portion of it has implications beyond his contributions to American history-it attempts to define who Lincoln was as a man, not as an idol.



2. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in studying Lincoln or the Civil War. The author does an excellent job in presenting a mostly unbiased opinion. By stating in the introduction that he allows room for error in his opinions, he sets himself aside from the fanatics and characterizes himself more as a historian in search of the truth than as a man trying to paint Lincoln as he thinks he should be viewed. Moreover, the breath, not sacrificing the depth, of this book is incredible. It covers Lincoln's family and personal life and carries the reader all the way through his assassination. The Lincoln Nobody Knows presents Lincoln as both a down to earth man and as a complex, indispensable historical figure. It causes one to revaluate what he previously held to be fact about Lincoln and it allows room for interpretation-the author doesn't always give an opinion for the reader. Most are "inclined, quite naturally, to discover in Lincoln the beliefs that they themselves espouse," (57). This remains feasible since Lincoln will always be an enigma, but to his credit Current presents sound facts for his arguments and presents both sides, drawing upon many respectable sources. He begins by describing Lincoln's personal and family life-his mother's possible illegitimate birth all the way to Lincoln's relationships with women and Ann Rutledge specifically. It then goes into his involvement in the beginnings of the civil war, his policies and their changes, and the way he conducted the war. That being done, the author finishes by discussing his larger role as a politician, an emancipator, a commander in chief, a martyr and a myth. All of this does well in presenting the multidimensionality of Abraham Lincoln, and it makes one realize that there are not easy answers to questions about good old Abe. It is important to note that much of this text is controversial and a portion of it has implications beyond his contributions to American history-it attempts to define who Lincoln was as a man, not as an idol.

1 comments about The Great Chief Justice: John Marshall and the Rule of Law (Modern War Studies).

1. John Marshall [1755-1835] was Chief Justice of the United States for the last 34 years of his life. During his long tenure, he turned the Supreme Court from an afterthought into a primary tool for the centralization of federal power; he defined America, though we can still debate whether he got the definition right. This book details how Marshall went about his task.....
   
   This is NOT a biography of John Marshall [see my other reviews]; it is a series of case studies which trace the expanding power of the Federal Judiciary...Marbury v. Madison established the principle of Judicial review of legislative decisions...Virginia v. Cohens asserted federal authority in state affairs...the National Bank...land titles...Indian treaties......there is still disagreement over some of Marshall's decisions, and there was hell to pay over some of them at the time. "John Marshall has made his decision; now let's see him enforce it"...the various ramifications of that statement {which Andrew Jackson MAY not have ever made} are mind boggling....
   
   Charles Hobson is editor of The John Marshall Papers, one of the 2 or 3 greatest living Marshall scholars, and a nice guy [as was Marshall]; he has written a five star book. Do I actually recommend it? Maybe. If you are an attorney or historian with an interest in the topic, it is an absolutely essential volume. Well written, well organized; for me, it was a page turner. For the casual reader, don't waste your money, or insult Mr. Hobson. You will need a good background in either Law [not me], or history [me] to understand it.

5 comments about A Brotherhood of Valor: The Common Soldiers of the Stonewall Brigade, C.S.A., and the Iron Brigade, U.S.A.

1. I re-enact as a sergeant in Company "E", Bragg's Rifles, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (the Calicoboys). Other than Nolan's book on the Iron Brigade, Wert's book is the best on the entire history of the Iron Brigade. I have also studied the history of the Stonewall brigade. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a serious scholar of the Civil War. Those d**n "black hats" gave as well as they got at Brawner's Farm. Considering that they were rookies, they handed out a pretty good lickin'. Even Stonewall Jackson said it was the worst he had been in. After the battle, the Black Hats gave out three loud huzzahs. There was no answer from the sesesh.
   
   Calicoboy



2. There are a small number of brigades in the Civil War that earned a towering reputation because of their valor. Two of these are reviewed in this book: The Iron Brigade ("The Black Hats") of the Army of the Potomac and the Stonewall Brigade of the (in the end) Army of Northern Virginia. This volume does a nice job of indicating why these two brigades so justly earned their accolades.
   
   It is also something of an irony that the first major action of the Iron Brigade (although not yet so named) came when it faced off against the Stonewall Brigade in the forerunner to Second Manassas--at Brawner's Farm or Groveton (take your choice as to the name of the battle). The two brigades, with other troops also being engaged, slugged it out. The veteran Stonewall Brigade versus the fairly untested Iron Brigade. In the end, both demonstrated their brotherhood of valor in this engagement.
   
   The book describes the histories of the two brigades until they essentially lost their character and integrity. The Iron Brigade earned its name during the fight at the South Mountain pass before Antietam. It was destroyed as an elite fighting force at Gettysburg, as it fought itself out on the First Day, staving off the ultimate Confederate attack. It provided value during the rest of the battle and continued as an entity in the Army of the Potomac after that, but its legendary hitting power largely ended there.
   
   Just so, the Stonewall Brigade (and Division) lost its integrity at the Mule Shoe at Spotsylvania.
   
   Nonetheless, despite the damage done to these two units during the war, both well earned the honors given to them. This book does justice to both units and ought to be read by those interested in brigade level histories.



3. If you are interested in the Iron Brigade, this is a book not to be missed. It is a book that draws on all the old scholarship on the Brigade and brings it into the modern era.
   
   Where Nolan draws the broad brush strokes of the Brigade's history, Wert revisits that outline and fills in a lot of detail. Wert has scoured the archives and read all the correspondence he could find, and quotes it liberally to draw us close to the ground level action. His book is fast paced and accessible.
   
   Not only has he done this with just one Brigade but two! It is a natural approach, since the two brigades clashed so often, or were on the same fields, one gets the perspective of both sides.
   
   After reading this book, one can only ask, what research is left to be done now on the Brigade? Wert has done a fine job, and provided us a most up to date, short, yet definitive general history of the Iron Brigade.



4. I don't think Wert included enough on the common soldiers and spent too much time on filing in the broad strokes of the Civil War. Also I have seen nowhere else Wert's contention that the Stonewall Brigade was so plagued with desertions, a serious charge. Nolan's book on the Iron Brigade is vastly superior. Finally, given Wert's penchant for abusing the southern command it seems like a miracle the confederacy last one year much less five.



5. Being a fan of author Jeffrey Wert's work I didn't have to decide on whether or not to buy this book when I came across it. Wert's writing flows well and he backs up quite a lot of his information with useful references as he has done in other books. Wert has taken two of the more popular brigades of the Civil War and has followed their enlistment and organization in 1861 to final muster in 1865. Wert documents each brigade's movements and battles while carefully explaining changes in command and regimental organization. I found this book quite intriging as these famous brigades met each other in battle three times at such places as Brawner Farm, Antietam and Gettysburg. Wert explains the battles quickly at times which was refreshing in cases where the brigades had little conflict or involvement. In times of battle, Wert gets to the point of the fighting and doesn't dwell in huge detail as you may find in some books covering a certain campaign or battle.

   What I did find a bit disappointing in this book was the fact that under the title it reads, "The common soldiers of the Stonewall Brigade and the Iron Brigade". I was under the impression that more soldier life would be covered instead of regiment movements or the following of commanders. This book didn't quote too many soldiers or bring their diary writing as you may see in other books on soldiers. Overall, Wert has taken a great amount of information and packed it into 319 pages of material. Could more have been written? Perhaps, although the coverage was excellent and I can recommend this book to many who are seeking additional information regarding these famous and hard fighting brigades.

2 comments about Ulysses S. Grant (Let Freedom Ring).

1. This is one of the best school age books writtern about General Grant. Gives an overview of his whole life, not just his life during the civil war. Nice illustrations and black and white photographs of his later life add a nice touch.



2. Susan Gregson has written a well-researched book about a complex Civil War figure. This colorful, heavily illustrated overview of the famous general will appeal to children and adults alike. Well-known Grant scholar John Y. Simon consulted on the book, assuring the book's accuracy.

1 comments about For King and Country: The Maturing of George Washington, 1748-1760.

1. I would really enjoy meeting Thomas Lewis, and talking historical facts and old Washington legends with him.

   There is nothing flashy or trashy about For King And Country. It is a very well researched and very connected account of young Washington between 1748 and 1760.

   I can't help, but, wonder if Thomas Lewis is a descendent of Washington's nephew Lawrence Lewis. There is that much cool headed depth of feeling evident in For King and Country.

   We tend to forget that Washington had to personally put up with hundreds of uniquely American cantankerous characters during his youth. Thomas Lewis gives a little flavor to that part of the formation of young Washington's character. When Lewis contrasts Washington's "uncommon ambition" to be recognized by the British, and also recognized by those Virginians with British pretensions real or affected; Lewis firmly grasps Washington's American reality.

   I do sincerely hope that Thomas Lewis writes of Geo Washington again.

1 comments about Great Depression and a Teenager's Fight to Survive: A Runaway Youth's Adventures in the Great Depression.

1. It was indeed an outstanding surprise to read the powerful and charming biographical books witten by Duval Edwards: "The Great Depression" and "The Senator and the Runaway Teenager". Here you have an exemplary life: a fighting soul, a hard-working boy, a lawyer, a soldier, and a father. These are the role models that America needs, not the phony material that the media presents as examples to our youth. Duval Edwards represents the best that America has to offer to the world - a poor young man, coming out of poverty through hard work, stamina, ingenuity, and good use of the mind.

   My feeling is that these two books (which, by the way, make very easy and pleasant reading) should be in the Must Read in every intermediate and high school in the country. They are extremely inspirational. Thanks Duval.

   Raul Bravo, Professor of Mathematics

No comments about An American Family: The Kennans: The First Three Generations.

1 comments about Pat Garrett: The Story of a Western Lawman.

1. Metz `s thoroughly researched and well written biography details the controversial life of one of the Old West's most interesting characters, Pat Garrett - the lawman who shot and killed Billy the Kid. The story takes Garrett from his Southern childhood, to his days as a buffalo hunter on the Texas frontier, thru his tenure as a federal lawman and Sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico. Metz addresses the mysterious death of Garrett . It was in that position that he became embroiled in the infamous Lincoln County War. The book also provides in-depth coverage of Henry McCarty - alias Billy the Kid. Thoroughly researched and entertainingly written, Metz's story of Pat Garrett will stand as the standard resource work on this noteworthy Old West character. James P. O'Connor - Nov. `9

4 comments about All that Makes a Man: Love and Ambition in the Civil War South.

1. A well written book about how love affected the mindset of Southern males in the Civil War era. However, most of the book is not, as the titles suggests, about the war period. It does begin with sketches of men's feelings during the Civil War, but most of it deals with their views in the 1840s and 1850s. The book, which makes heavy use of the Southern Historical Collection and the papers of planters and other members of the elite, is structured as a series of biographical sketches. The sketches illustrate how men--including the South Carolina Fire-eater Lawrence Keitt--felt about women and manhood, and the book provides some much needed insight into the sex lives of the Southern "aristocracy." One young man, for example, loses his virginity to a prostitute, who gives him VD. He joins the Confederate army eventually, but later succumbs to syphilis. As an explanation of the Victorian, romantic mindset of the Southern white male, the book succeeds. As an explanation of why men volunteered for the Confederate army and endured four years of slaughter, it is not as useful. True, troops wrote often and longingly about their loved ones. Most Confederates soldiers, however, were not married. If they were bachelors, they might have suffered the hardships of war in the hopes of winning the hand of a sweetheart. As Berry says at one point, slavery could not make a man march. That's perhaps true, but Confederates were not thinking of their sweethearts when they showed "no quarter" to black troops at the Crater or Fort Pillow. In suggesting troops fought foremost for women, Berry depoliticizes the war. If slavery was not that important, then it blurs the line between Northern and Southern troops' motivations. True they were all Americans, but they also saw differences in themselves that led to armed conflict.



2. This book is an excellent examination of perspectives of southern masculinity. Belongs with Cash's Mind of the South and Wyatt-Brown's Southern Honor as pivotal works on the mentality of the South. Takes a much more emotional glance at the southern male than the two other aforementioned works. Looks at the mentality of the southern male through the contexts of honor, religion and romance. Thoroughly researched and an enjoyable read. An essential addition to the library of anyone interested in the Civil War or southern masculinity.



3. "All that Makes a Man", By Stephen Berry is the first installment of what should be a notable career for the young historian. As far as first books go, this one delivers the goods and never allows the reader's interest to wane. This is the story of the average men and women caught up in the maelstrom that was the Civil War, as told from the Confederate perspective. Berry provides insight into the motivations and pressures of southern manhood. He crafts a story that begins with the linking of manhood and patriotism in the formulating period of the rebellion, the love for woman as being central to a soldier's will to continue the struggle, and finally the reclamation of manhood and love to disengage from the humiliation of a losing war effort. By using the letters of the soldiers, the author provides evidence to support his claim that men do everything for the love of a woman, especially during the hyper-masculine victorian era. "All that Makes A Man" is recommended for anyone willing to penetrate deeper than oft repeated Civil War battlefield history to learn more about the reasons so many were willing to sacrifice everything.



4. All That Makes a Man really humanizes the Civil War. Too many histories of the conflict lament only the mangling of so many bodies. There is no sense of the abrupt end to so many life stories. By going back into the antebellum period, the author makes sure the reader knows the generation who fought the war BEFORE they got killed. By the time they do start dying you have a much better sense not only of how it happened but of what was lost. It wasn't that bodies died or hearts stopped beating; it was that somebodies died and all their hearts contained -- emotions, memories, promise -- was poured out like water. If you want a different perspective on the war, I highly recommend this book.