Rebels and Yankees: Commanders of the Civil War

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate illustrative look at Civil War officers
Review: "Commanders of the Civil War" represents itself as "An account of the lives of the commissioned officers during America's war of succession." However, more than an account William C. Davis and Technical Advisor Russ A. Pritchard use a collection of photographs of historical and personal memorabilia to great effect. For example, in the first chapter of the book there are pictorial spreads of personal memorabilia for Stonewall Jackson and George Gordon Meade. Other contemporary photographs show a dozen different swords, even more service revolvers, or a set Confederate naval china. In addition to dozens of old photographs, many of which will be new to all but the most avid Civil War buff, there are colored drawings by Jeff Burn of different uniform types that will help you distinguish between a Union Officer of Infantry, Artillery and Calvary. The text is certainly information regarding the great and lesser known military leaders of the war, but the photographs and illustrations truly overwhelm the words. It will remind you of looking at displays in a museum so just take your time and enjoy each photograph. You will enjoy "Commanders of the Civil War" as well as the other volumes in the "Rebels and Yankees" series.

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate illustrative look at Civil War officers
Review: "Commanders of the Civil War" represents itself as "An account of the lives of the commissioned officers during America's war of succession." However, more than an account William C. Davis and Technical Advisor Russ A. Pritchard use a collection of photographs of historical and personal memorabilia to great effect. For example, in the first chapter of the book there are pictorial spreads of personal memorabilia for Stonewall Jackson and George Gordon Meade. Other contemporary photographs show a dozen different swords, even more service revolvers, or a set Confederate naval china. In addition to dozens of old photographs, many of which will be new to all but the most avid Civil War buff, there are colored drawings by Jeff Burn of different uniform types that will help you distinguish between a Union Officer of Infantry, Artillery and Calvary. The text is certainly information regarding the great and lesser known military leaders of the war, but the photographs and illustrations truly overwhelm the words. It will remind you of looking at displays in a museum so just take your time and enjoy each photograph. You will enjoy "Commanders of the Civil War" as well as the other volumes in the "Rebels and Yankees" series.

Rating:
Summary: Well Done!
Review: Davis and Pritchard have created a wonderful work that is sure to become a hit with anyone who studies the Civil War. This book uses words and a generous amount of pictures to tell the story of the leaders, both talented and flawed that held together the two struggling armies in a time of chaos and devastating loss. Although many of the stories have been told in one form or another, "Commanders..." compiles this study in a single book that makes it very easy to compare and contrast the styles and techniques employed by officers of both armies. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to others. I look forward to reading the next book in the 'Rebels and Yankees' series.