1 comments about A Civil War Treasury of Tales, Legends & Folklore.

1. Prior to 1960, the availability of books regarding the Civil War was a fraction of what it is today. Extraordinary storytellers such as Shelby Foote were not yet on the scene and Hollywood had not yet glamorized the war in such glorious fashion with epic movies and 10-part mini-series'. What I'm getting at is, in 1960, when B. A. Botkin first released his book, A CIVIL WAR TREASURY OF TALES, LEGENDS AND FOLKLORE, he set a new standard in Civil War narration.
   
   This 2006 edition is a reprinting of the original save for the addition of new artwork by Warren Chappell, who replaced Stephen Cushman as illustrator in the last reprinting. The stories are the same, so if you're looking for new material, you won't find it, but if you've never read Botkin's compilation of letters in this classic work, you don't want to miss it.
   
   Botkin presents over 500 pages of letters, many originals, written by either those who took part directly in the events or who witnessed them firsthand. This is the Civil War without the sugar coating, and without the glamorizing. Some of what you read will make you laugh, some will turn your stomach. Your heart will be ripped apart as you only try to imagine the anguish of Sergeant Driscoll who shot a Confederate Officer in an ambush only to discover a few minutes later that it was in fact, his own son who had gone south before the war. You will feel the devotion of the two soldiers found sleeping next to Jackson's statue after the war, "just to sleep with the old man once more".
   
   There are a few accounts of major battles, and a few profiles of individual leaders, but for the most part, this is a collection of stories about skirmishes, many of which you may never have heard of, and about individuals and their happenings during the war. In all, there are six chapters here, one for each year of the war, as well as a brief closing chapter regarding the aftermath. This is followed by an extraordinary collection of over 30 pages of notes, however, sadly, most of the books referenced here are long out of print and nearly impossible to locate.
   
   Botkin, himself a professor of history, compiled over a dozen volumes of folklore. I believe this was his best compilation. An outstanding study guide with great merit for students, this is the Civil War as told by those who lived it.
   
   Monty Rainey
   www.juntosociety.com

No comments about James K. Polk: A Biographical Companion.

No comments about Pemberton: A Biography.

No comments about William and Henry Walters, the Reticent Collectors.

2 comments about Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln.

1. This important reference book evaluates the dependability of quotations attributed to Lincoln. They are listed alphabetically by name of the person who claimed to hear Lincoln. A copious index to this nearly 600-page book gives further assistance in locating alleged quotations. The book was compiled by two Lincoln experts and is authoritative as any Lincoln book can be.



2. I can not imagine how many hours of checking and rechecking it took for the Fehrenbachers to compile this book. They offer not only the words of Lincoln as recalled by others, but also their opinions on the probable accuracy of the person who recalled the words. I found quotes I had never heard and I noted that some quite famous "quotes" were debunked. This is as close to the "real words" of Lincoln we are able to get outside his writings and newspaper reports of his speeches. Of course, written words, carefully crafted speeches and spontaneous spoken words are all different. Thanks to the editors for massive amounts of careful work.

1 comments about Saddle Soldiers: The Civil War Correspondence of General William Stokes of the 4th South Carolina Cavalry.

1. This book is an organized collection of letters Colonel Stokes wrote home to his wife. As the author's purpose was to present factual information on the military obectives of this Regiment, the unit's records having been burned by Colonel Stokes himself to prevent their falling into enemy hands, the personal content of these documents has been edited out. Tracing his career from the early days of the war when the objective was to prevent an invasion of South Carolina along her coast to their attachment to the Army of North Virginia in 1864 these letters provide a view of the challenges, courage, and sacrifices made by these men of the 4th S.C. Calvary. The book would have been considerably enhanced had the author taken the time to provide greater perspective on the military engagements the unit found itself involved in. Also, the exhibits providing geographical detail are barely legible in some instances. Nevertheless, the book is a useful "window" into this unit's contribution to the history of South Carolina

2 comments about Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865.

1. As a history of the Michigan Brigade and its famous commander, this is a worthwhile addition to the library of Civil War and military history enthusiasts. It is well-written, engaging, and makes solid use of primary sources. Coverage of the formation of and early service of the various regiments is quite good.
   My only two serious complaints are: Inadequate maps - a real flaw for a military history; A terrible index - undoubtedly not the author's fault, but the index is useless in that the vast majority of people, places and events described in the text are nowhere to be found in the index. This is the book's main problem and it handicaps the reader.
   All that said, certainly a good item to have on your Civil War shelf.



2. The Michigan Cavalry Brigade achieved its' greatest triumphs under the command of George Armstrong Custer. The troops were greatly disappointed when he eventually moved on to higher command. Under his impetuous leadership the Brigade gained respect for the Union Cavalry and its' famous red ties, emulating Custer, were a badge of pride and honor. Books by members of the Michigan brigade make it clear that the youthful Custer was greatly respected by his troops. The book is a useful tome describing the times and experiences of this unit. Like most Civil War books it bypasses the hardships, disease and despondency of the troops in favor of describing the battle related history. The book is worthwhile reading for students of the war, cavalry and Custer.

2 comments about Fitz Lee: A Military Biography of Major General Fitzhugh Lee, C.S.A..

1. Longacre provides the basic facts of the life of Fitzhugh Lee, who clearly benefitted from his name and relationship to his uncle Robert. His West Point career was nearly as unimpressive as those of George Pickett and George Custer. His Civil War performance, while sometimes solid, culminated in disaster. He left his post to join Pickett and Tom Rosser for a shad bake at Five Forks. While they were dining, and possibly drinking, Sheridan overran Confederate positions and doomed the Army of Northern Virginia. Worth reading to provide some useful information about this senior cavalry leader. But, one comes away less then awed by his actual record.



2. Although I'm a fan of Mr. Longacre's previous works (The Cavalry at Gettysburg & Cavalry at Appomattox to name a few) I found this book lacking in objectivity. He starts the work praising Fitz Lee's service prior to the war but then does a "180" in throwing in what appears to be his own commentary and what he thinks Ftz Lee was thinking regarding his less than close relationships with John Mosby and, especially, Gen. Wade Hampton. All without footnotes or specific background information. He even states that M/Gen. "Jeb" Stuart was enraged and took him to task for an incident early in the war where Stuart was almost captured when waiting for Lee's regiment to meet him. I've read many books regarding that particular part of the war and this is the first I've heard of Stuart being "enraged" about that particular matter. No footnotes or background was presented by Longacre to support his belief. These type of comments are plentiful in the book, almost as if Mr. Longacre was there, which he wasn't. His previous works regarding cavalry operations are very well supported by documentation from the war. This one isn't and he throws around his assumptions and opinions as if they were facts. I'm afraid Mr. Longacre should stick to documenting civil war cavalry history where he can back up his writings with written accounts and facts. In "Fitz Lee" he doesn't hit the mark at all. It'll be a while before I read another of his "biographies".

No comments about Abraham Lincoln and the Union (Library of American Biography Series) (Library of American Biography).

1 comments about American Grit: A Woman's Letters from the Ohio Frontier (Ohio River Valley Series).

1. Compiled and edited by Emily Foster, American Grit: A Woman's Letters From The Ohio Frontier is an inherently fascinating collection of correspondence from the first half of the nineteenth century, written by Anna Briggs Bentley, a devout Quaker wife determined not to lose contact with her mother and sister. Filled with emotion, a willingness to work, love for her family and her many children, and a great deal more, American Grit provides contemporary readers with a compelling and enjoyable look through a kind of "window of time" at daily life in rugged terrain. A fine work enhanced with brief annotations for clarity, American Grit is very highly recommended for Women's Studies and American History Studies collections and reading lists.