Forty Rounds : An Irish Regiment in the Civil War [Paperback]

J. Vincent Noonan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 9, 1999

In late 1862, an all-Irish regiment -- the 90th Illinois -- was recruited from the northern counties of Illinois. Forty Rounds, the story of that regiment, provides a panoramic view of many of the key events, names, and places of the Civil War and the Irish-American experience. Camp Douglas. Cairo. Fenians. Vicksburg. Grant. Know-Nothings. Uncle Billy. Hardscrabble. Chattanooga. Illinois and Michigan Canal. McPherson. Henry rifles. Missionary ridge. Resaca. Old St. Patrick's Church. Guerillas. Atlanta. BlackJack Logan. March to the Sea. Deserters. Andersonville. Forst McCallister. The Grand Review.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

J. Vincent Noonan found out later in life that he was the great-grandson of a Sergeant in the 90th Illinois Infantry, named John Noonan. Follow-up research lead him to chronicle, in Forty Rounds, the history of the 90th Illinois, as seen through the eyes of the soldiers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: John V. Noonan; First Edition edition (December 9, 1999)
• ISBN-10: 0615116833
• ISBN-13: 978-0615116839
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,432,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware of "Forty Rounds", June 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Forty Rounds : An Irish Regiment in the Civil War (Paperback)

My low rating for this book is a consequence of buying it thinking it was a legitimate history of a Civil War regiment. Nothing in the ads or on the cover of the book suggests that it is a work of fiction. It is actually a fictional account of the 90th Illinois based on, according to the author, almost nothing. He maintains that he wrote it because he was unsuccessful "in finding any period accounts, letters, or memoirs" relating to this regiment. He wants the reader " to understand and appreciate what these men went through," yet he is making it all up! How are we to understand this book as anything other than the fantasies of the author's mind? There are no notes, no bibliography, and no mention of any sources this book was based on. We are assured, however, that he had no sources that related specifically to his subject. Let the buyer beware!

4.0 out of 5 stars Remember, it's fiction, May 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Forty Rounds : An Irish Regiment in the Civil War (Paperback)

Contrary to the fellow reviewer who apparently did not read BEFORE he bought the book, I found "Forty Rounds" to be a fun read. The tale interspersed actual historic events almost seamlessly in a "Forest Gump"-esque manner. All in all, I was pleased that I read this novel (yes, it was a NOVEL, not a historical text). If you would enjoy learning more about one of the Civil War's more unique regiments, I suggest picking up a copy and judge for yourself. Slainte!