Book Description
The second volume in Gordon C. Rhea's peerless five-book series on the Civil War's 1864 Overland Campaign abounds with Rhea's signature detail, innovative analysis, and riveting prose. Here Rhea examines the maneuvers and battles from May 7, 1864, when Grant left the Wilderness, through May 12, when his attempt to break Lee's line by frontal assault reached a chilling climax at what is now called the Bloody Angle. Drawing exhaustively upon previously untapped materials, Rhea challenges conventional wisdom about this violent clash of titans to construct the ultimate account of Grant and Lee at Spotsylvania.
Customer Reviews:
Highly detailed, but readable military history.......2007-03-03
Having previously read Rhea's first volume on the 1864 Overland Campaign, I moved on to this work. Just like the first volume, Rhea has written a winner here. I had gotten somewhat tired of "military history" books because they were either overly detailed and dry and boring or they often focused too much on the commanders and not enough on the ordinary soldier. Well, no such problems with this book. Rhea has a very balanced prose focusing on the generals, the privates, and everyone in between. Furthermore, despite being full of enough detail for any military history buff, the book is very readable and Rhea writes in a style that makes you feel as if you are amongst the action, making you turn page after page. Other reviewers can probably write much better than I, but simply put, this book is a must have for anyone interested in military history or the Civil War.
The Overland Campaign series.......2006-07-22
The Battle of the Wilderness May 5-6, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 520 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (July 1994)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807118737
The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern May 7-12, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 483 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (May 1997)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807121363
To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13-25, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 505 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (May 2000)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807125350
Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26-June 3, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 552 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (September 2002)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807128031
I am reviewing the four books a single series although each book is a full stand-alone history. This is a highly detailed military history of Grant's Overland Campaign of 1864. Two of the best generals commanding two of the best armies, in American history, decide the Civil war in the East. Gordon Rhea gives this month the detailed attention it requires and had never received. The 2,000 pages allows for the full story of the campaign, the personalities, failures and success.
The first book covers the major battle of The Wilderness an area Grant wished to clear and Lee hoped to trap him in as he had Hooker in 1863. Through a series of Union miscalculations and command problems, Lee manages to get in Grant's way. What follows is a confused bloody two-day battle that has been termed "Bush whacking on a grand scale". An excellent series of maps, help the reader stay abreast of the battle and understand the confusion of both sides. Lee loses Longstreet and starts to make the hard decisions about personnel that he has avoided since 1862. Grant while testing his relationship with Meade and Burnside, is trying to learn the AOP's generals too. This process dominates the four books as repeatedly Grant is forced to deal with the problems this creates and Lee takes steps that were unthinkable in 1863.
The second book moves the battle from The Wilderness south to Spotsylvania and Yellow Tavern. Grant refuses to "play the game" and retreat behind the Rappahannock but pushes past Lee and continues south. What follows is a race from defensive point to defensive point, which the AOP concedes to the AoNV. Union commanders hesitate at critical moments while the AoNV reinforces the objective. This allows Lee to stay up or ahead producing one of the bloodiest battles in our history at Spotsylvania. In addition, this book covers the critical cavalry operations, Grant's reasoning, and the price paid in taking Sheridan away from Meade. J.E.B. Stuart's death, is well covered. Both in terms of what it means to the AoNV, to Lee and to the Confederacy.
After one of the hardest weeks in their history, the two exhausted bloodied armies eye each other over their entrenchments. Lee understands that he is being trapped and that defensive war can only end in defeat. Grant is trying not to be stuck in a siege and determined to continue south. What follows is a series of forced marches and small battles as Grant and Lee test each other. Each general wins and loses daily as the armies march, counter march and fight. However, at the end of each day, Grant is always closer to Richmond. Lee produces a brilliant trap, Grant takes the bait but circumstances keep lee from springing it. Almost to late, Grant sees the trap pulls back, changes direction and continues south. Book 3, To the North Anna River covers this brilliant and exciting time in detail. Rhea produces some excellent analysis of both commanders and the developing personnel problems they are facing. Neither man is having an easy time of it and both understand they have never faced an enemy like this.
The last book takes us to Cold Harbor, one of the most controversial battles of the war. The detail history and excellent analysis leads us through this battle and produces some startling conclusions. As always, the author provides full support and justification for them. This might be the most important book of the series and the definitive book on the battle of Cold Harbor.
Each book has a full set of maps and illustrations. The writing is uniform and very readable. While detailed, the actions are understandable and you are seldom lost in a sea of names and/or unit numbers. Each book is a stand-alone history and is readable as such. The books were published from 1994 to 2002 and had to be written that way. This is the best account of the Overland Campaign available. It is both an invaluable reference and a great reading experience.
More Civil War.......2006-03-09
I have recenty - in the past two ot three years - become interested in the Civil War. The Shelby Foote series is wonderful, but still leaves a lot of detail to be fleshed out. The more you read the more you want to know. Much about the War remains a mystery. The battles can be presented in much detail and Rhea's writing is clear and lucid. There is considerable detail in presenting excerpts from diaries, reports and the like to make the battles real from a human standpoint. The books are much like the work of Stephan Sears.
All are well written and enjoyable, although I do recommend a bit of lighter reading between volumes.
The only quibble that I have is with the maps. They often neglect detail that could help follow the action. Plaaces mentioned in the text are sometimes not to be found on the maps.
This complaint can be applied to virtually every Civil War book that I have read. If you are interested in the civil war, this series is excellent.
Excellent Study of Bloody Spotsylvania.......2005-08-22
Recently I spoke to someone who had read all of Rhea's books published thus far. The person commented that he thought Rhea was too dry an author to be enjoyed. After having read Rhea's title on the Wilderness and now just completing his Spotsylvania book, I wonder if my acquaintance was talking about the same person!
In my humble opinion, Rhea has written the defintive study of the campaign that reflected Grant's determination to destroy Lee's army at any cost - Spotsylvania. The book's narrative flows freely and the writing style is easy to follow without being simplistic. He covers in great detail the armies' movements to Spotsylvania, the battles of Spotsylvania, Todd's Tavern, Yellow Tavern, and other engagements. In other words, I believe the professional historian and Civil War layperson will both enjoy the book.
Rhea seems to be fair and balanced in his praise and criticism of both sides - Lee, Early, Anderson, Meade, Upton, Hancock, and others get praise while others (Grant, Ewell, Burnside - surprise surprise!, and others) are criticized for their performance. Since I am a Civil War layperson, I will leave it to the "experts" to analyze whether Rhea's praises and criticisms are warranted. Instead, I am choosing to focus on the book's content and writing style.
I do have one criticism of a shortcoming I find in many Civil War Campaign Studies - the maps. While the maps are well drawn, there could have been at least 10 more and could have gone down to regimental detail. Doing so makes following the flow of action much easier and interesting.
Criticism aside, I highly recommend the title as the definitive study of the continuing struggle between Lee and Grant. The book will serve as a valuable guide to my next visit at Spotsylvania.
Great Book on a Battle that Changed the Course of the CW.......2005-08-14
Rhea does a wonderful descriptive job on the Battle that changed the Civil War in the east forever. Any romantic feelings of cavaliers and great flanking maneuvers is at a loss for this grim beginning of the complex battle of entrenchments that eventually extend to Petersburg, This battle is ugly in the sense of great casualties as waves of humanity go up against mine balls, canister, bayonets and the well entrenched foes, in the case of the latter, Lee's ANV. Rhea does an outstanding job in two particular areas, one is the study of command for both the Union and Confederates and in his excellent detail descriptions of the many battles at Spotsylvania that culminates in the horrid bloody assaults at the mule shoesalient including the equally high casualty counter attacks. In reference to the command structure, Rhea describes a continuation of the Union problems of command initially described in his preceding Wilderness book (one of a four part series on the Overland Campaign). In this case; however, Grant is much more involved and Meade is seemingly relegated to a senior staff officer position. An example is Meade's dissatisfaction with Sheridan's inability to cut through to Spotsylvania and beat the confederates only to be subjected to Grants intervention to allow Sheridan to cut loose with the entire cavalry in a run at Richmond and Stuart. And ackwardly, Burnside still maintains an independent command under only Grant. Rhea articulately studies the confederate command particularly in reference to Stuart's cavalry brilliantly blocking Sheridan at Todd's Tavern, and Anderson's timely march to support Fitz Lee at Laurel Hill that plants one of the main defenses of Spotsylvania setting the stage for the confederates extended defense works. Rhea does an astonishing job of tracking the complex maneuvers of virtually every brigade from Hancock's attempt to move two exposed divisions north of the Po River attacked by Early to Hancock's attack at the salinet's maze of entrenchments. Rhea equally tracks the confederates in the salient from the initial defenders to those in the many brigades involved in the counterattack. Rhea also highlights the emergence of Gordon that parallel's the demise of Ewell in Lee's eyes. The account of the bloody angle is with first hand quotes of the miraculous charge by Hancock, the bad luck of the Confederates (weather, fog, movement of artillery) and the virtual free for all fight for control of the angle. Krick has a more poignant description of the battle of the mule shoe salient but Rhea provides the whole battle scheme brilliantly. The importance of Laurel Hill is well described and not forgotten nor is Early's late flanking attack against Burnside. Inclusive in this monumental task is a vivid account of Sheridan's raid and Stuarts attempt to harass and finally stop his better-supported foe. As Rhea points out, unlike Sheridan, Stuart left half his troop with Lee while Sheridan took his entire corps. The consequences are better for Lee but not so for Stuart at Yellow Tavern. The book concludes with great analysis of the command success and failures of both sides. Of interest is Warren's conflicts as Grant is frustrated with Warren's desire to avoid headlong attacks against well-entrenched foes (seemingly appropriate), while Warren may be right but he was better served to working for Meade who had a similar cautious nature. Also a good look at Grant's drive to destroy Lee and end the war while suffering great casualties. Two items that could use more detail, was Ewell that bad at Spotsylvania to be reduced in command or was Gordon's star just eclipsing Ewell at this point as Gary Gallagher suggests? And what was the reason why the confederates maintained the salient position that became exposed? Some authors suggest that the layout was the result of night marches with units forming where they stopped at whatever terrain vantage points seemed best in the dark. Fascinating account of Lee as he continues to take an active battlefield role as his officer corps becomes decimated. An excellent book and as the author says in the last chapter, "Twenty-five miles south, toward Richmond, the North Anna beckoned". After reading this book, you are ready for that next part of the campaign.
Book Description
June 1863. The Gettysburg Campaign is in its opening hours. Harness jingles and hoofs pound as Confederate cavalryman James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart leads his three brigades of veteran troopers on a ride that triggers one of the Civil War's most bitter and enduring controversies. Instead of finding glory and victory-two objectives with which he was intimately familiar-Stuart reaped stinging criticism and substantial blame for one of the Confederacy's most stunning and unexpected battlefield defeats. In Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg, Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi objectively investigate the role Stuart's horsemen played in the disastrous campaign. It is the first book ever written on this important and endlessly fascinating subject.
Stuart left Virginia under acting on General Robert E. Lee's discretionary orders to advance into Maryland and Pennsylvania, where he was to screen Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell's marching infantry corps and report on enemy activity. The mission jumped off its tracks from virtually the moment it began when one unexpected event after another unfolded across Stuart's path. For days, neither Lee nor Stuart had any idea where the other was, and the enemy blocked the horseman's direct route back to the Confederate army, which was advancing nearly blind north into Pennsylvania. By the time Stuart reached Lee on the afternoon of July 2, the armies had unexpectedly collided at Gettysburg, the second day's fighting was underway, and one of the campaign's greatest controversies was born.
Did the plumed cavalier disobey Lee's orders by stripping the army of its "eyes and ears?" Was Stuart to blame for the unexpected combat the broke out at Gettysburg on July 1? Authors Wittenberg and Petruzzi, widely recognized for their study and expertise of Civil War cavalry operations, have drawn upon a massive array of primary sources, many heretofore untapped, to fully explore Stuart's ride, its consequences, and the intense debate among participants shortly after the battle, through early post-war commentators, and among modern scholars.
The result is a richly detailed study jammed with incisive tactical commentary, new perspectives on the strategic role of the Southern cavalry, and fresh insights on every horse engagement, large and small, fought during the campaign. About the authors: Eric J. Wittenberg has written widely on Civil War cavalry operations. His books include Glory Enough for All (2002), The Union Cavalry Comes of Age (2003), and The Battle of Monroe's Crossroads and the Civil War's Final Campaign (2005). He lives in Columbus, Ohio.
J. David Petruzzi is the author of several magazine articles on Eastern Theater cavalry operations, conducts tours of cavalry sites of the Gettysburg Campaign, and is the author of the popular "Buford's Boys" website at www.bufordsboys.com. Petruzzi lives in Brockway, Pennsylvania.
Customer Reviews:
JEB's Ride.......2007-09-23
Regardless of what one thinks of JEB Stuart, "Plenty of Blame to Go Around" is worth the time to read. The authors carefully analyze Stuart's part in the Gettysburg campaign using first hand accounts, secondary sources, and "color" commentary from beyond the written word. In regard to the later, I found it most helpful as the authors placed the realities of mounted warfare into the context of Stuart's actions. For instance few first hand accounts discuss how often horses were shod. Such was an action so common, they didn't think to mention it (as we wouldn't mention filling our gas tanks or changing oil in a narrative). Secondary accounts miss this important limitation when discussing what Stuart could or could not have accomplished. The authors here present this and other points that bear on the overall discussion. Interesting and very well written overall. The last few chapters deal directly with the "historiography" of Stuart's ride, and very professionally I might add. Clear distinction is made between the author's opinion and the secondary sources. In the end, the authors don't play their hand early with regard to conclusions. Facts are presented and different interpretations offered, then the authors make their conclusions.
Three points which prevent this from becoming a full five star submission in my opinion. First, the maps presented are not detailed enough to support the text. When I read an historical text, particularly military history, it is rather cumbersome to pull up a modern road map to place things in context of the terrain. Second, the "tour" section at the end should be more inclusive, and deal with more than just the Pennsylvania sites. Lastly, I would prefer the authors to have brought into the discussion more of the action in Loudoun Valley in the week preceding the start of Stuart's ride.
Plenty of blame, Plenty Good!.......2007-05-22
I have read several books on the Stuart/Gettysburg controversy, this one covers all bases and brings into perspective a few new and relatively uncovered issues.
If you've read anythings else this tome will still be worth the read in the way it covers the information.
Plenty of Blame.......2007-05-09
Amazing what I learned about my neighboring area. I have lived in this general area all my life and knew there were civil war events in my area but not to this extent.
The tour listed at the end is one I will be taking. I travel on some of these roads and never knew that troop movements occurred on them.
Recommend this book to anyone interested in civil war history. Strongly recommend it to anyone living in the area, new or long time resident.
Interesting reading just misses the mark.......2007-02-20
I live in the general area where most of the action occurred & learned quite a bit regarding these battles & skirmishes. The book is well written & researched. The continual rehash of whose fault Stuart's delay was (granted this is the central theme of the book but who wants to read the same dispatches over & over?) gets a bit tedious however.
Bravo!.......2007-01-29
Just when you thought there was no more to be added to the Gettysburg saga, this book emerges as one of the best ever. Wittenburg and Petruzzi have done an outstanding job of giving us a different and more detailed look at this important historical event. I am truly mesmerized by this portrait of Civil War history and believe this book will stand as a definitive look at JEB Stuart and his controversial ride. I wish I could give this book more stars than 5! It is truly that good.
Book Description
“The Army was much embarrassed by the absence of the cavalry,” Robert E. Lee wrote of the Gettysburg campaign, stirring a controversy that has never died. Lee’s statement was an indirect indictment of General James Ewell Brown (“Jeb”) Stuart, who was the cavalry. This book reexamines the questions that have shadowed the legendary Confederate hero and offers a fresh, informed interpretation of his role at Gettysburg.
Avoiding the partisan pros and cons characterizing previous accounts, Warren C. Robinson reassesses the historical record to come to a clearer view of Stuart’s orders for the crucial battle (as well as what was expected of him), of his actual performance, and of the impact his late arrival had on the outcome of the campaign. Though Stuart may not have disobeyed Lee’s orders, Robinson argues, he did abuse the general’s discretion by raiding Washington rather than scouting for the army at Gettysburg—a move that profoundly affected the Confederate fortunes and perhaps the war itself.
Customer Reviews:
Jeb Stuart and the Confederate Defeat at Gettysburg.......2007-08-11
Professor Robinson has contributed a refreshing new look to a much confused aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg. Jeb Stuart was, and remains, a controversial figure--a love `em or hate `em sort of guy. And that's the rub. Over the past 140 years much has been written about his role in the Battle of Gettysburg, and unfortunately it has been written with an emotional pen. The facts have been buried and lost under mountains of hyperbole and replaced by contorted logic and strained reasoning.
Is Jeb Stuart to blame for the Confederate loss at Gettysburg? Did he follow Robert E. Lee's orders or was he the innocent victim of vague and flawed command direction?
Professor Robinson's book recalibrates the past through an objective analysis that's steeped in a clear and easy to follow writing style. He has meticulously combed the record, presented the unvarnished facts, and drawn the common sense conclusions that inevitably follow.
Gettysburg was a defining chapter in American history, and it continues to capture the passions of many. Serious students and casual tourists will greatly benefit from this well written book. It is more than a new look at much written cavalry subject; it is a framework to better understand this pivotal battle of the Civil War.
Average customer rating:
- Davis' bio of General Stuart is still the best!
- `How not to write a biography
- Nicely anecdotal, but not very deep
- Fautz
- Another great one by Burke Davis
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Jeb Stuart: The Last Cavalier
Burke Davis
Manufacturer: Gramercy
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ASIN: 0517185970
Release Date: 2000-02-01 |
Book Description
From the author of They Called Him Stonewall. Definitive biography of the dashing Confederate general is history at its best: fascinating, colorful, provocative. Includes portraits of Stuart's early life, training at West Point, the fateful decision to side with the South and action-packed battle scenes. 7 maps. 8 pages of photos. 470 pages.
Customer Reviews:
Davis' bio of General Stuart is still the best!.......2004-10-15
Burke Davis gives readers often-overlooked insights into the early life and career of the famous cavalier, including his courtship of his wife (whose father was a Union general) and his motivation to fight for Virginia. The Stuart-Cooke family is an excellent example of the bitter division of loved ones during the War, with Stuart and his brother-in-law choosing to fight for the Confederacy while his father-in-law continued to serve the Union. A fascinating account of the war as well as a great bio and a must-read for serious historians
`How not to write a biography.......2003-08-20
One of the most tedious and enervating reading is a book in which practically every second page is loaded with citations from letters written to, by or about the person who is the subject of the book. Frankly speaking, if I can return the book and get some refund, I would do it gladly. This is not a reaserch but a correspondant's report. In short- minus one star!
Nicely anecdotal, but not very deep.......2003-05-05
The book starts out very well, establishing basic background and geographical history in a very easy to read anecdotal style. The remainder of the book essentially details General Stuart's exploits on and off the battlefield.
You certainly get the impression that he was a dashing figure, but unfortunatley the author does not delve deeper into the man as much as I would have preferred. You get a sense for him as a Confederate soldier who cared very much about his duty, but not why he cared so much.
I gave it four stars because it is a good read, and for the perspectives provided of many of the eastern battles and the cavalry's part in them.
Fautz.......2002-03-06
Book rather good written, but as all books of the USA shipped, the printed paper and is of rather poor quality. In Europe we are used to recieve best quality. So also after many years you still can enjoy reading.
Another great one by Burke Davis.......2002-03-05
This is the third civil war book by Burke Davis that I have read, and it is just as good as the others. Davis gives a complete and well researched account of the life of Jeb Stuart, but his main gift is that he can really tell a story. You will be interested from the beginning to the end, and in the process, you will realize that you have learned a thing or two.
Book Description
Fighting with JEB Stuart: Major James Breathed and the Confederate Horse Artillery is the first biography of this important Southern officer, a brave and virtuous warrior who embodied all the qualities that made the Confederate Army one of the finest in history. Breathed's resume of combat mirrors that of General Lee's legendary Army of Northern Virginia. Major Breathed was involved in eighty-six battles, engagements and skirmishes.
When the Civil War began, James Breathed was a 21-year-old physician at the beginning of his medical career. A Virginian by birth, and raised on a plantation in Maryland, he cast his lot with the Confederacy in April 1861. By chance, he shared a seat on a train with James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart, who encouraged Breathed to join the 1st Virginia Cavalry, a regiment commanded by Stuart. Breathed was then transferred to the newly formed Stuart Horse Artillery. For the doctor-turned-warrior, it was a perfect assignment.
Unencumbered by formal military training, Breathed developed his own unique style of command. Relentless in his efforts to defeat the enemy, he exhibited conspicuous gallantry and accomplishments on so many fields that his actions separated him from the pack of other battery commanders—inside and outside the cavalry arm. Breathed's handling of horse artillery and accurate fire became recognizable to his enemies. Alexander C. M. Pennington, the leader of a celebrated Union battery of the horse artillery, looked forward to and dreaded his many encounters with Breathed.
In the minds of the Confederate veterans who knew him best, Breathed was no less of a legend than artillerist John Pelham. After the war doctor Breathed returned to continue his practice of medicine in Hancock, Maryland. He died February 14, 1870. This study is based upon previously unknown or overlooked family primary documents and archival sources, a keen appreciation of the terrain over which Breathed's guns rolled and fought, and a broad foundation of knowledge of the American Civil War in the Eastern Theater. Fighting With JEB Stuart adds something dramatically new to the literature of the Civil War.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book about a Little Known Aspect of the Cavalry.......2006-04-09
There have been many stories written about the Amcerican Civil War. But I've seen few written about the artillery, and to my knowledge none at all about the Horse Artillery that served with and went with the cavalry. This alone would make this book a welcome addition to a Civil War library.
Wars are fought by young men. Still it is a surprise to read when a 'kid' of only twenty-one becomes an officer, and shortly thereafter is a Major.
Major Breathed was already a physician when he joined the Confederate Army. He served all through the war, not as a physician but as a combat leader. He was in almost all the significant battles in the Eastern Theater. This reports on an aspect of the war that is little known.
The book is extensively researched and well written. It reads well yet is full of detail that fills in the story in a most interesting way.
Average customer rating:
- Custer Saves the Gettysburg Battle
- The cavalry battle that saved the Union
- I want my $18.95 back
- What a Joke
- Is this fiction or non-fiction???
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The Cavalry Battle That Saved the Union: Custer Vs. Stuart at Gettysburg
Paul D. Walker
Manufacturer: Pelican Publishing Company
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ASIN: 1589800125 |
Book Description
Civil War historians have long been puzzled by Pickett's seemingly suicidal frontal attack on the Union center at Gettysburg.
Here, for the first time, Paul D. Walker reveals Robert E. Lee's true plan for victory at Gettysburg: a simultaneous strike against the Union center from the front and rear--Pickett's infantry to charge the front, while Stuart's cavalry struck the rear. The frontal assault by Pickett went off as scheduled, but as Stuart's forces approached from the rear, they encountered a Union cavalry contingent. As the forces joined, leadership of the Union cavalry shifted, and command fell to one of the most dynamic figures in American history--George Armstrong Custer.
What followed was America's greatest cavalry battle: 7,500 Confederate horsemen ranged against 5,000 Union cavalry, Jeb Stuart against George Custer, with the outcome of the Civil War at stake.
Customer Reviews:
Custer Saves the Gettysburg Battle.......2007-07-15
The book was insightful. Nothing like the Custer Last Stand movie with Errol Flynn. In the book, Custer was brash and courageous and full of spirit BUT he always followed orders. He was not the maverick depicted by Errol Flynn.
There are too many "ifs" on who saved the Union at Gettysburg. Was Custer's role very significant? Was Lee's Pickett's charge a blunder or a masterpiece of strategy that suffered a few mishaps? Would the Union line have held if Pickett received timely reinforcements? Would the Union line have held if Jeb Stuart was able to defeat Custer and be able to attack the Union's rear?
We will never know the answer to this or other countless questions. We do know that the Union would rather not image the consequence had Custer not defeated Jeb Stuart's calvary.
The book was very enjoyable because it brought to light that part of the battle at Gettysburg that was largely unknown to mainstream America.
The cavalry battle that saved the Union.......2005-06-18
Purportedly an examination of the cavalry fighting on July 3rd, 1863.
Deeply problematic in its historical research -- quoting at length from reputable but old secondary sources and at even greater length from totally unknown secondary sources; making no apparent use of primary documents at all. This sort of 'research' may be responsible for the repetition in the text of many problematic anecdotes. Unorthodox in its use of punctuation and spelling -- Stuart's response to being called 'The Plumbed (sic.) Knight' not once but thrice can only be imagined, and various grammatical errors make their way even into quoted material. Limited at best in its evocation and analysis of the battle that is the book's subject. Strange in several of its assumptions -- that the Confederates who briefly broke through the Union line on Cemetery Ridge on July 3 spent "twenty minutes" just sort of looking around and waiting for reinforcements; that Ewell could have easily taken Culp's Hill on the 2nd; that 'Pickett's Charge' should have been followed immediately, over the same ground, by a shoulder-to-shoulder cavalry charge by Stuart's troopers. (After they trampled Pickett's men, their next move was to be...?)
Readers interested in this subject are encouraged to look at Longacre's THE CAVALRY AT GETTYSBURG.
I want my $18.95 back.......2004-05-05
Amazon needs to update its rating system to include minus stars for books like this. How this stinker ever got published is a mystery to me. Walker cobbles his narrative together from a handful of secondary sources (Bruce Catton, D. S. Freeman, Gregory Urwin), has apparently never heard of the "Official Records" or regimental histories or "Gettysburg Magazine", spends 11 pages in a confused and and mostly wrong retelling of his "subject", and sets up this chapter with 125 pages of an irrelevant (and often wrong) summary of Lee's command of the Army of Northern Virginia. He knows just about nothing of the Civil War and detracts, rather than adds to the literature of the conflict. As a retired Army officer and professional historian I symbolically throw my hands skywards in dispair.
What a Joke.......2002-11-19
This is the absolute worst book I've ever read. Not just the worst Civil War book, the worst book, period. The author devotes 11 measley pages to the actual engagement referred to in the title. The editing is so sloppy, every few pages are typos. The maps offered in the book are useless. No orientations to North, no scales, lacking in all detail. The most upsetting thing is the lack of documentation. It was almost as if this guy saw the movie and used that as the outline of his book. He offered very little in the way of proof to any of his assertations. The worst thing is, this guy was an officer in the Army. As an officer myself, I'm extremely disappointed in my peer. Do not waste your time with this book.
Is this fiction or non-fiction???.......2002-05-22
After finishing this book, I wasn't sure if I'd read one that was intended to be fact, or a novel. Despite its title, only one small chapter is devoted to the cavalry fight on Gettysburg's East Cavalry Field. The balance of the book, mostly devoted to the Gettysburg Campaign itself, is full of so many errors it's laughable. John Buford's fight the morning of July 1, the first day, is completely screwed up. It appears as though the author has never been within 1000 miles of Gettysburg. Throughout the book, the author presents easily DISPROVEN myths about Gettysburg as though they were facts. Anyone reading this book is going to get a completely incorrect idea of not only Gettysburg but much of America's Civil War in general. I collect books on the Civil War (with some 2000), the cavalry specifically, and I have just thrown this book in the trash. I will NOT permit this "work" to have a place on my shelves, and I completely regret purchasing it. The sources are scanty, and the author relied mostly on secondary resources. If the author had simply done the minimum required research in primary resources, and just cracked open the Official Records just once, he would have had to completely re-write his manuscript. DO NOT waste your money. Go to McDonald's and have a Happy Meal. It would be money much better spent. Hopefully this book will go out of print and disappear VERY soon.
Customer Reviews:
JEB through the eyes of his staff..........2002-07-09
An excellent compilation of observations of various members of James Ewell Brown's staff officers. Insights of the war and of their commander give the reader a true "you are there" approach.
Trout's framing sequences offer a nice chronology, along with many helpful maps. I read this after having first read some general biographies of Genl Stuart. Well done, indeed.
Book Description
Written in German, translated into English and first published in Edinburgh in 1866, this unique memoir gives a first-hand account of service in the flamboyant cavalry command of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart.
Customer Reviews:
A Superb Account of Stuart's Cavalry.......2006-12-21
In his personal narrative of his time spent with General JEB Stuart during the Civil War, Heros von Borcke gives the reader excellent insights into the war from the Cavalry rider's point of view. Additional background knowledge of certain battles does prove helpful has Heros does not always give a clear description of battle or the lay of the land. Maps would also aid greatly when he speaks of riding from town to town. Overall, the book was well worth the read. His vantage point enables him to faithfully detail to the reader an accurate picture of General JEB Stuart which makes the read quite intriguing. Borcke places the reader in middle of major battles and brings him along on his daring expeditions with Stuart. He gives his account of the war vividly and memorably, inserting those things that must have been mundane to him like the humor of others and the weather conditions.
A truly great memoir.......2001-06-17
This is a wonderful memoir of the author's year and half of active service on the staff of the legendary Confederate cavalry General, J. E. B. Stuart. Von Borcke was an aristocratic twenty-six year old former Lieutenant in the Prussian Army when, in 1862, he took passage on a blockcade runner to Charleston. With little command of English, and having burned all of his letters of introduction just prior to his vessel's inspection by Yankee blockaders, Von Borcke presented himself at Richmond unknown and friendless. He was eventually placed as a civilian adviser to Stuart, and soon became a commissioned officer on the staff, and one of Stuart's closest confidants. A giant of a man--he weighed 220, and must have been very tall--he was a gallant and chivalrous fighter. He seems to have been in the thick of every melee, and was often entrusted with special courier assignments by Stuart. Through this, we get wonderful glimpses of many of the great heros of the Southern side, including Lee, and especially of Stonewall Jackson, who shows a wonderful sensitive side to Von Borcke, not often seen by others. The author lyrical prose is delightful, especially when describing the beautiful Northern Virginia countryside, and the many fine families than dwelt in the area. The brilliant, and wonderfully-readable prose is more the remarkable due to fact that this book is in translation from the original German. No where did I find the translator's name, but whoever did it deserves high praise indeed. I have never read a Civil War memoir that was better, though Henry Kyd Douglas' "I Rode with Stonewall" deserves mention for its merit also. This is a wonderful must-read, and would be an excellent book for even those who are but casually interested in the history of the Civil War.
Excellent personal memoir........1999-09-01
Heros Van Borcke brings alive life in the Confederate Calvary. From battle to battle, the personal emotions and the devotion to a cause of a country that he was not native to. Van Borcke is able to capture the intimate details of living day to day in the army, his relations with commanders and emotions the people of the South and the death of the gallent people around him. If you appreciate the sacrifices of those who fought and died in this conflict, this book is a MUST!!
Hard to put down once you start to read it........1998-12-07
This book was written in 1866, while the memories of the War Between the States were still fresh in Von Borcke's mind. A lot of the personal accounts I have read were written years after the war and were not as accurate as they could have been had they been written sooner. But, most of the veteran's had a lot more to contend with, than writing a book. Von Borcke,sometime lieutenant of the 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards, came to Virginia from Prussia at the beginning of the war to offer his services to the Confederacy. Seeking adventure in the new land, he fell in with Jeb Stuart and found all he needed. Jeb Stuart made Von Borke one of his aides. Von Borcke writes about a lot of small details of Virginia at that time, that someone who was a native Virginian, would not have made note of because of already being familiar with these. He also has written of many humorous events that took place in camp and on the battlefield. Gives a good account of Stuart from someone who was close to Stuart in the good times and bad times. You will not regrett taking the time to read this to read this book.
Average customer rating:
- War Years with JEB Stuart
|
War Years With Jeb Stuart (Civil War Paperbacks)
W. W. Blackford
Manufacturer: Louisiana State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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I Rode with Jeb Stuart: The Life and Campaigns of Major General J.E.B. Stuart
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Jeb Stuart: The Last Cavalier
ASIN: 080711880X |
Customer Reviews:
War Years with JEB Stuart.......2001-06-05
Blackford started out as one of General Stuart's staff and then was detailed to the ANV Engineer Corps. He's acerbic, opinionated and occasionally thick-headed (as when he fails to notice, during the retreat to Appomattox, that anything is wrong). He gives a good description of the Battle of First Manassas and accounts of several other battles and campaigns, including Gettysburg. Although Blackford is justly best known as a Stuart chronicler, the most unique information given in the memoir is the description of how the Engineer Corps built the trenches at Petersburg. Blackford's endearing descriptions of his horses add a human touch.
Average customer rating:
|
Switchback: A Novel
David Alexander , and
Jeb Stuart
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 038079022X |
Customer Reviews:
Thriller All The Way!!.......1997-11-02
Also known as SwitchBack.This book is awsome! Lots of suspense.Can't wait to see the movie!
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