Gr 5-7-This book opens with a brief history of cavalry in the antebellum era and a two-page overview of the background of the conflict. The equipment, equine, and training needs of a cavalry are explained, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of these units in the Union and Confederate armies, and their importance in the conflict. The roles of irregular, guerrilla, and outlaw operations are examined and important leaders such as Jeb Stuart, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and Philip Sheridan are profiled. This is an attractive book, with a pleasing layout and well-chosen period photographs and full-color reproductions. The useful list for further reading features multimedia titles and Web sites. In spite of these strengths, however, this title will have a limited audience. Although the "First Book" appellation implies a beginning readership, the author mentions so many battles, places, and people that young readers will require considerable knowledge about the causes and operations of the Civil War to be able to put all of the information into context. At the same time, most report writers will need more specificity than the text offers. There is only one map, and it is of a specific battle. Numerous titles in the "Time-Life Civil War" series offer detailed analysis of cavalry operation in battles and theaters of operation, and are better choices for most libraries.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Card catalog description
Examines the role played by cavalry, or horse soldiers, in both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War.
