Rating: 
Summary: The most horrible Civil War battle brought alive
Review: I have previously written that Rhea's "Battle of the Wilderness" was the greatest battle history I have ever read. I need to correct myself. "The Battles for Spotsylvania Courthouse" has surpassed Rhea's previous work. This horrible battle of wills between Grant and Lee is brought alive by Rhea's wonderful prose. He has a very rare talent of being an outstanding writer and an exhaustive researcher. The combination provides for the most exciting exciting reading in history.The book begins where "Wilderness" left off. Grant and Lee are staring at eachother from behind strong entrenchments. The narrative proceeds to describe the armies' movements to Spotsylvania Courthouse, and as a reader, you find yourself holding you breath occassionally, asking questions like: Will Lee's men get there in time? Will Sheridan break through? etc. Rhea's style makes it very hard to put the book down while at the same time you are getting all the information and facts that you would froma text book. As Rhea continues, he describes the 5 days of fighting in and around the Courthouse in brutal detail. He discussion of the battle on May 12th for the "Muleshoe" salient is hauntingly similar to the trench battles of WW I. No other battle in the Civil War came close to the brutality displayed there on that day. In the space of 1/2 mile, 17,000 soldiers fell, and Rhea's description leaves and indelible mark on a reader's mind. The book itself is well constructed. The chapters are a bit long, but not too bad. There are many maps that give a clear picture of the action. As an added bonus, there is also an in-depth discussion of the Battle of Yellow Tavern, where Jeb Stuart was killed. All these, plus extensive endnotes, combine to make "The Battles for Spotsylvania Courthouse" the very best in Civil War battle history. Definitely a must own for any Civil War buff, or military historian in general.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I read Gordon Rhea's book on the much neglected North Anna actions and then had to read the other two. Well written and enjoyable Civil War history. Hope he continues the series through the end of the war.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I read Gordon Rhea's book on the much neglected North Anna actions and then had to read the other two. Well written and enjoyable Civil War history. Hope he continues the series through the end of the war.
Rating:
Summary: Breathless Anticipation
Review: I read Mr. Rhea's account of the Wilderness when it was first published a few years ago and was immediately hooked. Shortly afterward, I heard him speak at a local CW Round Table. He is as delightful and interesting in person as he was in print. I am, at best, an amateur historian which is to say that I read for the interest and enjoyment and Mr. Rhea certainly fills that bill. I have read the first three Overland Campaign works, have Cold Harbor in my reading queue, and await with breathless anticipation Mr. Rhea's continued efforts. To date, this is my favorite.
Rating:
Summary: Breathless Anticipation
Review: I read Mr. Rhea's account of the Wilderness when it was first published a few years ago and was immediately hooked. Shortly afterward, I heard him speak at a local CW Round Table. He is as delightful and interesting in person as he was in print. I am, at best, an amateur historian which is to say that I read for the interest and enjoyment and Mr. Rhea certainly fills that bill. I have read the first three Overland Campaign works, have Cold Harbor in my reading queue, and await with breathless anticipation Mr. Rhea's continued efforts. To date, this is my favorite.
Rating:
Summary: fantastic follow-up!!!
Review: Mr Rhea has given us another wonderful book to enjoy! I've read several on the Spotsylvania campaign and this is the best!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent follow up to the Wilderness
Review: Once again, Rhea does it. This book was probably his best. Exciting chapters provide detailed accounts of Laurel Hill, The Bloody Angle, and Burnside's inability to move. A great book for those that like to learn about other battles in the Civil War.
Rating:
Summary: Another Five Star Effort From Rhea
Review: Rhea did it yet again with the second installment of his Overland Campaign series. Rhea weaves together a descriptive narrative that starts with a recap of the Wilderness and ends with the armies headed toward the North Anna River.
Inbetween the pages, Rhea blends together meticulous coverage of each day from the 7th-12th, once again including his own blunt and critical analysis of the movements and decisions of leaders on both sides. Rhea cleverly uses foreshadowing throughout the book to keep readers interested and combed just about every possible source for primary accounts and anecdotes.
And the best part about finishing this book is realizing that Rhea has another one ready for you to pick up and continue the story.
Rating:
Summary: Superb Historical Writing
Review: Rhea has done it again. His treatment of the Battle of the Wilderness made me sit up and take notice of his talents as a writer. The desciption of the several days around Spotylvania Courthouse flowed smoothly and cogently. I would have preferred a bit more on the action attendant with Grant's withdrawl and the move south toward Ricmond / Petersburg. I am also one who likes an overdose of maps and, even though the ones provided were appropriate, I would have preferred more. Nonetheless, I regard this as one of the better specific battle treatments I've read and congratulate Mr. Rhea.
Rating:
Summary: Very engaging account- hard to put down
Review: Rhea's followup to his account of the Battle of the Wilderness is even better than its predecessor. Military history done right.
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