Customer Reviews

Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory

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

 

 

I purchased this book to add to my collection on books about the American Civil War in the Southwest US. If it had not been for seeing it in the Glorietta Pass battlefield store (Pecos National Historic Park), I would have stupidly assumed it was a professionally done children's book from the cover and interior art.

While it is deceptively thin, this book gives a concise overview of the engagements in the New Mexico Territory and Texas during the ACW. I recommend it for school kids expecially, to advance what is in their test books. But I also recommend it to historical Reenactors (the last chapter is about you), and tabletop wargamers who are interested in the Southwest during the ACW.

The book has enough information, statistics, maps, and sketches to give a general feel for the campaigns it discusses. It is well written, and makes for a simple read. Overall the book just flows together really well. It also uniquely draws in some characters who helped to found Texas, and helps the readers identify with their feelings on Texas succession and the ACW.

At 137 pages, this book is relatively short. However, it contains good explanations and details of the military engagements in Texas and New Mexico-Arizona from April 1, 1861, to July 4, 1865. Some references are included of other conflicts, especially west of the Mississippi. The illustrations and photos add much to the readability of the book. And, a short final chapter is included about re-enactments of battles in modern times.
This book does have a few problems. The map on pages 14-15 contains at least two errors -- Houston and Gainesville are shown much farther west than they really are. The book also lacks an index, and the account of the third action at Sabine Pass (Sept, 1863) doesn't square just right with the account I remember on historic markers at the site. (Of course, the markers are too small to give a complete report of a military action.)
Those criticisms are minor and probably don't reflect on the historic accuracy of Cottrell's work.
In conclusion, I'll quote from Jason Coffey that this book "is well written, and makes for a simple read," with the understanding that "simple" in this case means quick and understandable rather than trivial or untutored.

Another book jam-packed with incredible stories from Cottrell and stunning artwork from Thomas. Like Steve Cottrell's other books of the Civil War, it is written perfectly for a wide range of readers to enjoy and learn about many amazing, and largely unknown, accounts of this region during the American Civil War. That, combined with Andy Thomas' incredible illustrations throughout, make for a great read that leaves you amazed about what happened in this country during its greatest struggle.

True tales of frontier adventure are brought to life in this dramatic story of the blazing showdown between the Blue and Gray in the far West. Written in an easy-to-read style for the average history buff, it is a must read for both Civil War and Old West enthusiasts.