Customer Reviews

The Class of 1861: Custer, Ames, and Their Classmates after West Point

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

 

 

The Class of 1861 is an immensely readable account of the group. Kirshner has provided a chronological account of the famous class that focuses primarily on various Civil War battles, but also the post war period. This collection of stories and short biographies taken from a prodigious amount of primary sources provides many interesting insights into the military experience and mindset of the professionally trained soldier. All in all, this book gives an interesting account of a group of young individuals from our Service Academy trained in the art of war that, perhaps fortunately or perhaps not, gets the opportunity to use their skill and knowledge right after, and in some cases, before graduation.

Incidentally, the picture of the front cover is believed to be the earliest photograph of the US Corps of Cadets at West Point. Although undated, it was probably taken sometime between 1860 and 1862.

The battles, leaders and controversies of the war are seen through the eyes of the young officers from the US military academy. From the earliest battles through the end -- insights on the military strategy and political issues of the war are illuminated. The post war careers of the officers bring to light still relevant controversies concerning the reconstruction period. Well documented and well selected this is a gold mine of insights for those interested in the Civil War period.

Maybe, as a history buff, I'm getting used to more interesting presentational formats of history. Perhaps that's why I found this book, generally, to be a very boring exercise in reading something. I was disappointed.