Although a borderline work for the popular sector, for the ACW history buff this is as good as it gets. A very detailed, painstakingly researched account of the first battle of John Gibbon's Iron Brigade - giants in black hats from Wisconsin, Indiana and later, Michigan, who covered themselves in glory during the years 1862-1863 (chronicled more completely in Alan Nolan's superb eponymous work). The Iron Brigade didn't run into just any outfit while pausing at the intersection of Pageland Lane on the Warrenton turnpike on the approach to Groveton. The Stonewall Brigade emerged from the woods covering the unfinished railroad onto the grounds of John Brawner's farm in the twilight of 28 August, 1862, followed closely thereafter by elements from all three divisions of Stonewall Jackson's corps, commanded directly by Old Jack himself. Gaff's account heavily weighs the strategy (North and South) that led to the collision of armies, culminating in the Battle of Second Manassas. The conclusion is offered that both sides were poorly led, yet fought terrifically, and the evidence is convincing. Tactics were almost non-existent - this was one of the last stand-up knock-down fights of the war, before the widespread use of field works, and the human cost paid was dear to both sides. After finishing this short, intense, valuable work, the reader has to agree with the assessment of Alan Nolan in the introduction - this is exactly the type of work that the ACW history community needs more of - tight, thoroughly researched and focused on a small scale. Catton, Foote, McPherson and others have given us the broad brush - the devil is in the details.
