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Summary: A Colourful Biography For A Very Colourful Civil War Leader
Review: While there have been many biographies written about the life and career of the famed Confederate General James Ewell Brown (JEB)Stuart, this one, written by noted Civil War Historian Burke Davis ranks near, if not at the top.Davis, author of "The Civil War: Strange and Fascinating Facts" (used by this author in preparing my own book!), and of biographies of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, meticulously chronicled the Civil War career of Jeb Stuart. The book begins with a stirring accout of John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry prior to the war, and Stuart's critical role in his eventual capture. The narrative grabs the reader's attention, and never lets go - even into the maelstrom of battle and Cavalry engagements. Stuart riding circles around McClellan during the Seven Day's Battles, his role in being Lee's eyes at Antietam and Fredericksburg, and his taking command of Stonewall Jackson's Corps when that great Confederate leader was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville. Then it all goes downhill from there. No,not the book, which does keep the reader enthralled to the grim end, but for Stuart and the Confederate Cavalry. Mistakes are made at Brandy Station, and shortly afterwards at Gettysburg, where Stuart encounters a Union Cavalry General just as flamboyant as he - George Armstrong Custer. Other Union Cavalrymen make their mark - Pleasanton, Buford, and finally Sheridan - as the worn and tattered Confederate Cavalry decline towards the bitter end and Stuart rides to meet Sheridan and Custer at a little hamlet called Yellow Tavern. Davis' narrative makes the reader feel as if he or she is indeed riding with Stuart - the smell of leather, of gunpowder and the sweat of the horses. The Rebel Yell and the fast gallop.Stuart's family is also given fine coverage, his devoted wife Flora, his hapless father-in-law, General Cooke, who remained loyal to the Union, and who was soundly thrashed by his own son-in-law! and his entourage, including the amazing Heros Von Boercke and banjo man Sam "Jine The Cavalry" Sweeney. It is all there.
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