Customer Reviews

Last Sleep: The Battle of Droop Mountain November 6, 1863

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

 

 

Terry Lowry has written a book that would be worthy of a much larger battle, very thorough. There is more detail in this book than just about any other Civil War battle monologue I own. (I have about 70 such books at the moment.)

The book is well written, and packed with relevant information. There are a number of maps, including notes about original park map errors and the like. There are detailed reviews of each regimental/battalion commander and the units themselves, as well as extensive first hand accounts of the action. There are many photos of participants as well. Since it is a small scale (but hard fought) battle, casualties tabulations are given down to individual soldier's names in many instances.

Those enjoying books about smaller battles like Cloyd's Mountain (by McManus), Piedmont (by Patchan), New Market (by Davis), Wilson's Creek (by Bearss), or Belmont (by Hughes) will likely enjoy this work as well.

The best description I can give of the overall feel of the book is "immersive." Reading the text, and looking at the maps, as well as period and present day photos one has the impression of having been of walking the field--more so than many other fine books I've read. It is easy to visualize the action, such is the "atmosphere" generated by the combination of graphics and accounts. Highly recommended.

This is the definitive work on the Droop Mountain fight. Maps and illustrations are abundant and the descriptions of the fighting are at the small-unit level and very detailed. A first-rate battle study that also covers the events both before and after the fight occurred. Highly recommended.

I am the great great granddaughter of Samuel David Edmonds, cited in the book on many occasions. I must say that I am disappointed in the fact that my grandmother, Evelyn McPherson, the surviving granddaughter of Mr. Edmonds, is mentioned only as a passing thought in the credits section, along with Mr. Mike Smith. Without my grandmothers diary, and memoirs of Sam, your book would not have been as it is now. My family and I would appreciate that my grandmother, Ms. Evelyn McPherson, is given more stature as the surviving granddaugher, indeed, the only living relative that actually knew Sam, and was with him upon his death. I fail to understand why Mr. Mike Smith has such a place of honor in the credits, being as he was simply the conduit of information given to him by our family, at the very least of which was Ms. McPherson.

My family and I would appreciate your comments on this matter, as it is deeply distubing to us.

Regards, Valerie Kaye Preston Great Great Granddaugher of Mr. Samuel D. Edmonds 29 Sassafras Lane Stafford, VA 22554 (540) 659-2318 vpreston@erols.com