The Civil War in Kentucky [Hardcover]

Lowell H. Harrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 1987

" The Civil War scene in Kentucky, site of few full-scale battles, was one of crossroad skirmishes and guerrilla terror, of quick incursions against specific targets and equally quick withdrawals. Yet Kentucky was crucial to the military strategy of the war. For either side, a Kentucky held secure against the adversary would have meant easing of supply problems and an immeasurably stronger base of operations. The state, along with many of its institutions and many of its families, was hopelessly divided against itself. The fiercest partisans of the South tended to be doubtful about the wisdom of secession, and the staunchest Union men questioned the legality of many government measures. What this division meant militarily is made clear as Lowell H. Harrison traces the movement of troops and the outbreaks of violence. What it meant to the social and economic fabric of Kentucky and to its postwar political stance is another theme of this book. And not forgotten is the life of the ordinary citizen in the midst of such dissension and uncertainty.

Editorial Reviews

Review

""A compact, judicious account of Kentucky in the war."--Journal of American History" --

""This book deals exclusively with Kentucky during the Civil War and is one of the most concise books on a subject that is oftentimes bypassed by Civil War historians."--Leatherneck" --

""This book is sharp as a tack -- well researched, condensed, and eminently readable."--Lexington Herald-Leader" --

""A crisp, concise, well-written study of a state thrust into a unique wilderness by the secession crisis."--North Carolina Historical Review" --

"Specialists in Kentucky Civil War history should be delighted with the concise, balanced interpretations and sound conclusions."--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society" --

""A vivid treatment of the Civil War in Kentucky."--Filson Club History Quarterly" --

""Harrison explores the complexities of the conflict in Kentucky and why the state played such a crucial role in shaping the political, socioeconomic and military aspects of the war."--Kentucky Monthly" --

""The Bluegrass State was torn in two by battling ideologies. At first, Kentucky was able to maintain its neutrality, offering neither side its soldiers or allegiance. In late summer 1861, the Civil War came to Kentucky,. And there was little doubt that the prevailing sentiment was Unionist."--Book Bit, WTBF-AM/FM" --

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky; 1St Edition edition (January 9, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813114195
• ISBN-13: 978-0813114194
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,458,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very informative but dry reading., December 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Civil War in Kentucky (Hardcover)

This book explains in explicit detail the Civil War within Kentucky's borders. It explains Kentucky's importance as a strategic military buffer state for both the North and South. The Civil War in Kentucky explores the underlying political strife that shaped and piloted the Civil War in Kentucky. It touches on the effects this war had on ordinary citizentry. I liked the detailed and little known information included in this book. It gave the background behind many commonly known facts within the state. It was an interesting touch when Dr. Harrison added well selected quotes to backup his facts. However, I thought the book was extremely dry reading. It was difficult to get through the book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very brief overview, April 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Civil War in Kentucky (Hardcover)

This is a brief overview of a complex subject. It gives basic information on the political turmoil in Kentucky before, during and after the Civil War and on the few battles which took place in the state, including Morgan's raids. It spends little time discussing Kentuckian Confederate troops outside the state. I found this to be a useful basic introduction but to be very lacking in detail -- I understand the series of which it is part is intentionally made up of overviews. Missing from the book was much discussion of social history and socioeconomic and ethnic divisions within the state.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I like this little book, September 14, 2004

By 

Avi Hathor (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Civil War in Kentucky (Hardcover)

This little book is just that, an overview of the American Civil War in Kentucky. It covers all the main military thrusts into the Commonwealth, and its effects on the people. Recommended.