Customer Reviews

Chancellorsville 1863: Jackson's Lightning Strike (Campaign)

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

 

 

I hate to nit-pick, but I found Fredericksburg 1862 and Chancellorsville 1863 to be replete with errors, at least the versions I read, both Military Book Club editions. The lists of errors I sent to Osprey went on for a three and six pages respectively. Many of them were relatively minor, but there were enough of them, and some not so minor, to cause me to consider the books greatly flawed. Let me note here that I live near Fredericksburg and volunteer once a month at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, so I am fairly familiar with the battles in question. I also want to point out up front that Osprey was very receptive to my comments and implied that future editions may incorporate some changes. I own more than 75 Osprey titles and that this is certainly not the norm for their products, many of which are excellent.

Some types of problems I noted with the books included:

- spelling errors such as Sedgewick for Sedgwick (not always, but several times), Siegel for Sigel and Hero Van Borke for Heros von Borcke. - geographic errors such as inaccurate descriptions of the road net, an incorrect locations for geographic features, and faulty relative positions. - graphical errors such as inaccurate troop dispositions (multiple instances), incorrect unit symbology and faulty depiction of vegetation on maps. - factual errors such as placing events on the wrong date, incorrectly identifying unit commanders and referring to Chancellorsville as a farmhouse rather than an inn.

I recommend waiting for a revised edition.

The book has a number of errors in it, some from bad editing, others from sloppy research. I used it to try and piece together what happened when during the battle, and found it very confusing. I'm a fan of the Osprey series, but unless you like the maps in this book, you'd be best to look elsewhere for information on the battle.

This title delivers on it's promise of explaining the battle and events leading up to it and after it. It is well illustrated and covers the situation objectively. The author manages to balance good writing with dry statistics. The Osprey Campaign Series format of 96 pages is put to good use with every major detail explained without having to skimp on certain areas or draw out others. I would recommend this as a single definitive source on the battle of Chancellorsville.

Infomrative. Nicely written and well illustrated.

A basic source of information on this battle.

Having read Carl's book on The Battle of Gettysburg, I wondered if he could top it! This author has an excellent delivery style. Details provided are good,and the pictures, illustrations, etc. enhance the book. Civil War history is fast becoming a favorite subject and I hope we can look forward to more campaign series from him.