Customer Reviews

Battle Maps of the Civil War (American Heritage)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A common problem I experience when reading a book about a Civil War campaign is that it invariably lacks detailed maps. Battle Maps of the Civil War makes a great companion volume when confronted with this problem. It covers important battles from both the Eastern and Western theaters, but it is by no means comprehensive. The overview of the East covers from 1st Manassas to the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, while the discussion of the West begins with Shiloh, extending through the Atlanta Campaign to Nashville. Each campaign receives a two page write-up accompnied by period photos and maps, some excellent Don Troiani prints, and a terrific illustration of each battlefield that covers the highlights of the fight. Additionally, it has a short section on Naval strategy, and small bios of the more famous Union and Confederate General Officers. The book is a little thin, with no coverage of 1865, but overall a great reference.

As a Civil War Historian, one with a degree in the field and not one who has not done the academic work required and need to earn a degree in this field. I found the book very useful in a number of ways. First the maps that are from the "West Point Atlas of American Wars" are outstanding in providing over all views of the campaigns. David Greenspans maps are a must to giving anyone a view of how the battles developed and were fought. Rate this a must for your Civil War book shelf.

For the record, I wrote and compiled the content of this book. I picked the artwork and secured permission from the Greenspan family to use the map images he painted. I asked Robert Krick to write an introduction for the book which he was most generous to do. Many of the pictures that appear in the book are from my own collection.

It has been noted that the publication of this book started a flurry of books over the next five years that were of a similar nature. The copy of the book I purchased, on-line, proved to be less than the "excellent condition" sticker that was affixed to it. Rick O'Shea

Wonderful book. I purchased this as a replacement for my home library. Great item for any history or geography buff.

It's very hard to review a product which I have never received.When do you think that might happen?