We tend to think of the war ending at Appomatax Courthouse. I was totally unaware of the attempts by the confederate politicians to escape and preservWe tend to think of the war ending at Appomatax Courthouse. I was totally unaware of the attempts by the confederate politicians to escape and preserve their treasury. This reads like an exciting chase as the politicians fled south.
Merged review:
We tend to think of the war ending at Appomatax Courthouse. I was totally unaware of the attempts by the confederate politicians to escape and preserve their treasury. This reads like an exciting chase as the politicians fled south....more
History of place can be difficult to balance. This book suffers a little from that. There are sections, such as the hospitals that I found tedious. OtHistory of place can be difficult to balance. This book suffers a little from that. There are sections, such as the hospitals that I found tedious. Other parts are riveting. The book is stronger in its linear historical narrative. Some of the most interesting material is in the illustration captions.
My biggest disappointment in the book are the poor quality resolution of the illustrations, especially those from the Kiplinger Collection where superior images can be found online.
Still, I enjoyed this book and the nuggets I gleaned....more
This is one of Larson’s more compelling books. Despite a fairly extensive study of the Civil War, I had previously paid little attention to Fort SumteThis is one of Larson’s more compelling books. Despite a fairly extensive study of the Civil War, I had previously paid little attention to Fort Sumter. As a result, this book drew me in compulsively. The six months between Lincoln’s election and the fall of Sumter is well outlined.
Larson effectively demonstrates the clash of cultures, the brutality of slavery, and the ignorance of people (especially by the southern gentry) regarding the destruction that war would bring. Some of the attitudes are disturbing, but illuminating....more
Essays describing civilian attitudes, military supply, hospitals, local strategy and other concerns give breadth to this volume. Unlike the 1861 colleEssays describing civilian attitudes, military supply, hospitals, local strategy and other concerns give breadth to this volume. Unlike the 1861 collection—which focused on Richmond—this book covers a larger geographic scope.
I particularly liked the development of hospitals and the straggler problems of Lee’s army. While these volumes require a certain level of understanding of tactics, politics and key events, the essays provide a depth of comprehension to the plight of Confederate Virginia and the impact on all concerned....more
A solid collection of essays on combat, politics, economy, and social issues. I found the climate of secession and the background on West Virginia espA solid collection of essays on combat, politics, economy, and social issues. I found the climate of secession and the background on West Virginia especially interesting....more