Stonewall Jackson the Man the Soldier the Legend Book Review
See a Problem?
Thank you for telling u.s. most the problem.
Friend Reviews
Community Reviews
(T
I was hesitant to read a book virtually Stonewall Jackson for the simple reason that I detest the guy. At this point, I'grand sure y'all're maxim, But Matt, what about all those Hitler books you lot read? Y'all don't like him, practice you? And yous brand a proficient point. I do read a lot of Hitler books. Arguably too many. And I practice not like Hitler. The deviation, though, is that a Hitler volume is generally non supportive of the human. Meanwhile, a Stonewall Jackson book runs a strong chance of beingness a fawning hagiography.(This is a good fourth dimension to state unequivocally: I'm not comparing Stonewall Jackson to Adolf Hitler. No one is similar Hitler except Hitler).
Information technology was with this anti-Jackson mindset that I read James Robertson'southward massive one-volume life of Jackson, imaginatively titled Stonewall Jackson: The Human being, the Soldier, the Legend. Generally, as a life rule, I tend to avert books with subtitles featuring "the [blank], the [blank], the [blank]," since I find them untrustworthy. In this case, though, Robertson's book came highly recommended, including a New York Times review written by Stephen Sears, one of our preeminent Civil War scholars.
My 1 line conclusion: this is a great book most a huge jerk.
Robertson's biography is a heavily-researched, vividly-detailed, boot-level recounting of Jackson's life, from his orphan upbringing in Virginia (modern day W Virginia) to his fever-addled, mail-arm-amputation expiry at historic period 39. In 762 dense pages, relying heavily on Jackson's correspondence, you lot get a visceral feel for this man, and are left gratis to make your own judgments on his character and his generalship.
Since this volume is so tightly focused, it does not take the space to give a broader context to Jackson's life. Y'all don't become a lot of information about supporting players in the Jackson drama, or much groundwork to the crucial events in which he participated. This tin can make the Ceremonious State of war battles that Robertson recreates a scrap hard to follow for the uninitiated. I mention this not as criticism but every bit alert, since in all other respects, this biography is so good that it transcends its genre. It is a book that can be enjoyed across those with a niche interest in the Civil War.
Robertson crams his story with details, creates a potent sense of Jackson'south physical and internal globe, and manages to exercise this while proving that being an academic and beingness a good writer are not mutually sectional.
Having some facility with Jackson's Civil War exploits, I was about interested in his early life. The lone upbringing amongst extended family; his middling exploits as a cadet at Westward Point; his solid (if somewhat exaggerated) performance in the Mexican War; and his beneath-average tenure as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute.
Jackson's road to everlasting fame (or infamy) did not follow a straight trajectory. Information technology was dotted with personal tragedies, including the death of his first wife. Robertson is a skillful enough writer to make you lot feel the emotions of these long-agone deaths, and to elicit homo sympathy for a homo who has been turned into marble. It's hard to have historical figures and make them into one time-living men and women, just Robertson joins a small list (Massey, Caro, Goodwin) who have that ability.
Stonewall Jackson is told mostly in narrative fashion. Much of it reads like a novel, and like a novel, it has some plot holes. (For instance, Jackson's favorite equus caballus disappears and is never "constitute" until Jackson is riding it a few pages later).
Based on reviews I'd read, I expected Robertson to explode some cherished myths or reframe our understanding of Jackson. I didn't run into much of that at all. To be certain, there are some places where Robertson disrupts his story to clarify the historical record. For example, we larn that Jackson didn't suck on lemons, but preferred peaches. I know what you lot're thinking: Stop the presses! We also discover that Jackson never in one case acted as the only sentry while his entire ground forces slept. That'southward nice to know. Merely it's worth mentioning that if y'all ever thought Jackson acted every bit the only sentry for his sleeping ground forces, you are an idiot.
Almost biographers have some sympathy for their subjects, if not outright adoration. Robertson is likewise much a professional to pound the drum for Jackson; nonetheless, it is quite evident that he is a Jackson champion.
Exhibit one: slavery.
In a book this big, nigh the Civil War, you might expect a few mentions of slavery. And that'due south what you get. A few mentions of slavery. Like, perhaps three paragraphs.
The slavery consequence is swept nether the rug in the most regressive way possible. Jackson was a slave owner, but in Robertson'due south view: "He probably opposed slavery." What'due south the evidence for this? Nothing. He never said he opposed it. He never freed his slaves. And he fought with desperate ferocity to protect the institution. Robertson's supposition comes from this: I like the guy so he must have been opposed to slavery.
Certainly, Robertson makes certain to mention Jackson's black Sun school. He holds this upward as evidence of Jackson's enlightenment. I hold this upward as show of Jackson beingness a demented d-handbag. By starting a Dominicus school, y'all are acknowledging the humanity of black people; that they, unlike animals, are people, capable of thought, organized religion, and prayer. Yet despite this acknowledgment, you keep them in chains.
To Robertson'due south credit, all of Jackson'southward lesser characteristics are on full display. He was prickly, obnoxious, oft-rude, and a whiny hypochondriac. One of the more entertaining sections of this book is a richly-detailed encounter in Florida betwixt a young Jackson and his commanding officer over perceived slights. It was a archetype "cipher fight" that both men seemed churlishly willing to fight to the grave.
The overriding theme that runs through Jackson's life is his religion. Of all other facets, this gets the most attention. On endless pages, Robertson plays upwards the Christian soldier bending while strongly endorsing Jackson's organized religion.
Fortunately, Robertson gives you enough information to make your own judgment, which I did. What struck me well-nigh Jackson's faith was how its outward humility (leaving everything to the hands of God) actually manifested itself in an detestable arrogance. Did Jackson actually walk around thinking his every trip to the outhouse was God's command? Didn't his God have other things to worry most? This is non an attack on religion, only a commentary on Jackson's small-minded concept of his Creator as a narrowly-focused micromanager.
Unsurprisingly, since it filled every corner of his life, Jackson'south Christianity dovetailed with his slaveholding tendencies. Equally Robertson explains, Jackson believed that because God willed slavery no man had the right to claiming that volition. (This worked out quite well for white slaveholding Christians, but hey, they didn't make the rules. God did). This kind of hypocrisy is startling in the 21st century simply…Well, it was too baneful in the 19th century, as demonstrated by less-famous contemporaries of Jackson such as Douglass, Tappen, Garrison, Stowe, Tubman, Beecher, et. al.
Jackson never had the self-awareness to recognize his ain crap. Indeed, he was boldly ignorant of it. In a letter of the alphabet that Robertson excerpts, Jackson states that the main "sin" of the Amalgamated States of America is Sunday mail delivery. Yup. That'southward our Jackson! Four one thousand thousand people treated as chattel – chained and whipped and beaten and raped – just our real moral shortcoming is delivering letters on the Sabbath.
It about leads one to wonder whether Jackson – after he'd been struck downward by his own troops on the nighttime of his greatest victory – ever considered that God had watched him all along. That God had judged him all along. And that God had been displeased. Probably not.
All that aside, the chief matter you learn in this biography – maybe any practiced Civil State of war biography – is that proficient generals go also much credit and bad generals become besides much blame. The Ceremonious War was mod in many ways – weaponry, transportation, even advice – but battleground command-and-command remained the aforementioned equally it had for centuries.
Unable to encounter the whole field at in one case, and unable to receive instantaneous updates, a full general's direct influence waned the higher upward the ranks he went. He could devise the most ingenious program imaginable, but all of that could unravel due to a mistranslated club, a lazy subordinate, or a wrong turn.
At Chancellorsville, the scene of Jackson'south dandy victory and fatal wounding, the Union General Joseph Hooker had a marvelous plan. Information technology looked so proficient on paper it should've been framed. Simply in reality, when Hooker stopped his march into the Wilderness, he didn't know where his ain troops were positioned, much less his enemies. He didn't know that General Oliver Otis Howard had left his flank dangling in midair.
Stonewall Jackson'south lasting feat is that he plant Howard's dangling flank and smashed it to pieces. Things might have been unlike had Howard taken basic precautions to anchor his flank and to entrench. It also might have turned out differently if the Matrimony commanders – including Dan Sickles, who almost lost the battle of Gettysburg – who really saw Jackson's supposedly-undercover flanking movement had interpreted it correctly.
It wasn't God who made Jackson a corking general. It was ruthlessness, decisiveness, courage, ego and luck. Lots and lots of luck.
...more than
The incredible energy and leadership of subordinate generals under his command was the fundamental to much of the armies success in spite of his failure to make a key assault at White Oak Creek i After reading James I Robertson's biography of Stonewall Jackson, I am convinced that his death created such a hole in the control structure of the Regular army of Northern Virginia, there was no longer a cohesive army that could defeat the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg, or subsequent battles in the Spring of 1864.
The incredible free energy and leadership of subordinate generals under his command was the key to much of the armies success in spite of his failure to make a primal assault at White Oak Creek in the 7 Days Campaign.
Finally, the seeds of his own expiry were in that location in the war years in the manner he lived his military life maintaining secrecy to such an extent he jeopardized the outcome of primal battles, notably Cedar Mountain and the 7 Days Peninsula campaign.
This is a long 762 page read, merely it is worth the length and detail to understand ane of the greatest military machine minds in American history.
...more than
28 And we know that all things work together for expert to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Male monarch James Version (KJV)
It was this faith that made him ferocious and fearless on the battleground and yet concerned about the spiritual well-being and salvation of his family, his soldiers and the black (slave) Sunday School class that he taught dorsum in Lexington, VA while a professor at VMI.
I truly feel that I know Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson and will exist forever influenced by his life. Seldom is one brought to tears at the stop of an historical biography. Thanks to Dr. Robertson for wonderful research and a smashing volume that brings Stonewall Jackson to life.
...more
This is no hagiography, though. Certain myths are dispelled, and Stonewall'southward difficult relations with subordinates, specially AP Loma, is detailed. His reticence in sharing his plans with subordinates and how that at times hampered the Ground forces is also addressed.
I tin't imagine a more powerful biography of a more compelling war machine figure.
...more
The writing style is superb. Activeness and information packed, I was never bored while reading this book. I loved all the quotes from primary sources and how they blended into the text easily and complimentary. Robertson allows the history to tell the story, just his writing makes it come alive.
The ending
Fantabulous biography! Definitely #ane on my list for recommended books most Full general Jackson. I learned so much in this book and can't wait to get my own copy for my Virginia Civil War history shelf.The writing mode is superb. Activeness and information packed, I was never bored while reading this book. I loved all the quotes from primary sources and how they blended into the text easily and complimentary. Robertson allows the history to tell the story, just his writing makes it come alive.
The ending was unproblematic - no deep philosophy near Jackson'southward final days or words, just the facts. I capeesh that, and the final two chapters were very "real" and moving considering of that simplicity.
I cannot look to read this book again, and over again, and again. The volume presents the historical truth about Thomas J. Jackson - his faith, military career, family unit life, friends, "enemies"... His legacy equally a Christian man and daring commander are well-preserved in this inspiring biography.
...more
And then adept a book I took with me on our honeymoon!
My biggest concern in writing my review of this book is that the political climate today is such that any veneration of Confederate leaders is viewed as racist. Racism is incredibly difficult for me to teach because something I absolutely don't sympathise. It makes no sense to me how someone can view someone else every bit beingness "less" because of the color of their pare. The hardest things I
This is going to be a very hard review for me to write, and in that location'due south a function of me that thinks I should just skip it...My biggest business organisation in writing my review of this book is that the political climate today is such that whatever veneration of Confederate leaders is viewed as racist. Racism is incredibly hard for me to teach considering something I absolutely don't understand. Information technology makes no sense to me how someone can view someone else as being "less" because of the color of their pare. The hardest things I accept to teach are slavery and the treatment of the Native Americans in our history.
So, I promise that no i volition misunderstand when I say that I accept a deep admiration for Stonewall Jackson. His organized religion and relationship with God makes me want to improve my ain relationship with God. He was truly a deeply faithful human. I had first go interested in him when I read a short synopsis virtually him in the book "The Other Eminent Men of Wilford Woodruff". Reading this clearly highlighted why he was one of those men.
My centre ached for him equally a lonely little boy and I was impressed with his determination and ability to overcome his difficult growing up years. Information technology was so interesting for me to read about the last parts of his life, knowing what was coming. (Teaching history provided major spoilers...) I often thought about how much time he had left and how he didn't know what was coming. (It also made me think nigh things similar that in my ain life -- who knows what tomorrow will bring?) Towards the end of the book, I felt equally I frequently exercise when I'm reading fiction books and idea most it oftentimes when I was away from it. (That could also exist considering it had taken me a long fourth dimension to read, but I wanted to finish information technology this yr, so I read about 200 pages in the concluding 3 -4 days...)
My biggest complaint with this book -- and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars -- was that in that location was fashion too much detail most the battles. One of my fellow history teachers would probable be shocked to hear me say that, considering I do dearest pedagogy virtually the battles in both the Revolution and the Ceremonious State of war, however the book got bogged down a bit because of all the detail. Someone explaining the battles can tell me what happened without giving so much data about troop movements. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
...more
James Robinson (JR) has written an amazing book. It is a biography of a larger than life hero of the S, Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson. Information technology is likewise an almost twenty-four hour period to mean solar day narrative of the Civil War in Virginia and Maryland during 1862 and 1863.
Using letters, official reports and the postbellum writings of the participants, JR provides amazing detail such as what Jackson had for breakfast on a given day. Exhaustive research, remarkable detail and objectivity are the strengths of this book; this is
James Robinson (JR) has written an astonishing book. It is a biography of a larger than life hero of the South, Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson. It is likewise an almost day to day narrative of the Civil War in Virginia and Maryland during 1862 and 1863.
Using letters, official reports and the postbellum writings of the participants, JR provides amazing particular such as what Jackson had for breakfast on a given day. Exhaustive research, remarkable detail and objectivity are the strengths of this book; this is his Magnum opus.
JR has taken us from the Jackson's family ancestral roots in Ireland to his decease in Chancellorsville, Virginia, and all points in between; a very thorough job indeed!
JR'southward description of Jackson'south early life is quite revealing, and I believe it formed the man who would become Stonewall. Rural Virginia in the nineteenth century was an isolated place populated by hard people who had a difficult life living off the land, where expiry caused by disasters, childbirth, and affliction was always shut past.
Jackson lost both his parents early in his life, and he never got over the loss. As the simply siblings, He and his sis clung to each other, nonetheless, they were dissever and placed amid family unit in dissimilar and remote parts of the Shenandoah Valley; they did not run into each other once more for many years. While the extended families provided food and shelter, He was a immature and lonely boy. These pressures may have helped in the creation of his introverted nature and ideocracies in later years. The loss of a wife and child to early death were also devastating blows and were the catalyst for his embrace of religion.
JR is an acclaimed historian with an emphasis on the Civil War and his professionalism shines through in this work. Reading a 900 plus folio effort tin can become a little tedious, however, JR's way and focus keeps his readers captivated.
1 of the primary precepts of writing a biography is to exist objective, while describing the virtues and faults of the discipline. Many authors become devotees of their subjects and blind to their failings. While this reviewer does not indict JR for this mistake, I practice believe that his Southern roots are present in his narrative.
JR does criticize this icon. In his summaries of battles won and lost, he points to Jackson'south genius and errors of committee and omission. He criticizes Jackson's refusal to share plans with subordinates, and this practice of keeping everyone in the dark about strategy and destinations, at times caused confusion in battle resulting in the unnecessary loss of life. JR paints a moving-picture show of Jackson that has resulted in this reader never sure of his real nature.
Jackson's genius for war is interesting, and I wonder what character traits make for a great warrior chief? Historians take compared Jackson to Napoleon Bonaparte, equally well equally a proponent of the Art of War by Sun Tzu and all these comparisons are appropriate. How did Jackson become a great warrior chief? Did he study these things at Westward Point? If he did why didn't the other cadets learn the aforementioned lessons? His genius was in knowing how to selection the right terrain to fight his battles, how to pick the correct spot to attack and always getting there commencement with the most. Grant and Sheridan on the Federal side had these traits but not many other leaders. Was Jackson a student of war? Was he well read on the subject? Or was it just instinct! This book does non discuss the field of study of where Jackson's genius came from, information technology only points to it.
What is presented quite conspicuously in this narrative is the fact that Jackson at times is maniacal. He is driven by his love for his native land and his deep family roots in that land. On several occasions, it is stated past him and other Southerners that the reason nosotros fight was…" nosotros were invaded!" He is driven by a furious religious organized religion that makes him feel personally invincible and on a mission for God.
This reviewer has difficulty in accepting this religious fervor in Jackson probably because of my own views on religion and the inability to forsake my twenty-outset century perspective for a nineteenth century viewpoint. The fact that Jackson felt that he had a personal human relationship with his God is somewhat of a self-centered arrogance. That his God's guiding hand helped him to kill his enemies is insane! Didn't Jackson understand that the Federal soldiers as well prayed for victory and to be protected in boxing by God?
Didn't Jackson understand that this war was fought for only ane reason ……. the consequence of slavery! This religious fanatic owned slaves and he bought and sold slaves. He rented slaves out to provide for his comfortable lifestyle. And then, he states, that slavery is God's will! Then, if I am a slave, I should have that God wants me to be a slave to enrich this human being, I think not! As I stated previously this is a nineteenth century mind that I cannot understand. JR'due south southern roots are evident in this event of slavery. He is not the thorough historian on this bailiwick, he does a dance through this mine field to continue describing Jackson'due south genius for war.
Jackson ate little and slept even less. He was cold and insensitive to others even as a teacher at VMI. In war machine matters, he had extraordinarily little discussion with his staff concerning strategy and objectives. He was constantly arresting his subordinate officers for in many cases minor issues. These were southern patriots, they were men of pedagogy and accomplishment, some even Full general officers; however, Jackson criticized and belittled them. Here is a very poignant comment made by General Alexander Lawton most Jackson, "Former Jack holds himself as the god of state of war, giving brusk abrupt commands distinctly rapidly and decisively, without consultation or explanation and remonstrances. Being himself admittedly fearless, he goes ahead on his ain claw, asking no advice and resenting inference. He places no value on man life, caring for nil and then much as fighting, unless information technology is praying. Illness, wounds, and all disabilities he defines equally inefficiency and indications of a lack of patriotism. Suffering from insomnia, he often uses his men as a allaying, and when he cannot sleep calls them up to march them out a few miles, then marches them back. He never praises his men for gallantry, because it is their duty to exist gallant and they exercise not deserve credit for doing their duty. This is quite an indictment and perhaps a footling too strong, notwithstanding. it says to me that after 900 pages, nosotros exercise not know this homo.
Some other attribute of this book that I could not understand was the devotion of the common soldier to Jackson; He was viewed equally a God of War. Manifestly, because of his many victories and demonstrated genius in those victories. My twenty-first century heed has problem relating to these soldiers who cheered him at every sighting. They were mostly boys who were unremarkably partially naked, shoeless, and starving. They matched incredible distances through sunday, pelting, sleet, snow, ice, and knee-deep mud. Then upon arrival at the destination went into battles so ferocious that thousands were killed and wounded. Only to repeat the process of exhausting march into another claret bathroom. Didn't these people understand PSTD? Mail service-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that develops following frightening, stressful, or pitiful life events. Characterized by intense fear, helplessness, and stress, PTSD affects normal life and functioning of the patient. Were these boys immune to this twenty first century condition? Jackson drove them difficult and seemed to not see the suffering of his army, perchance this was part of his genius. Information technology was in one case said of another neat warrior of Globe State of war II George Patton, that he was "Old blood and guts, the soldier'south blood and his guts". In the instance of U.S. Grant, he plant the enemy and stuck to them like a bulldog while the casualties on both sides zoomed all great warriors seem to have these same traits. As previously stated, JR does provide balance in another quote he say's, "the stillness of that winter afternoon vanished every bit regiment after regiment, bombardment after battery, squadron after squadron, exploded spontaneously into whoops and shouts. Each unit took up the loud cheering and continued every bit long as the general was in sight, shortly and from courtesy, Jackson removed his cap equally little Sorrel pranced and snorted while making its way through the long column. Men suffering from cold, hunger and weariness forgot their miseries at the sight of Quondam Jack and added their voices to the acclamation". Jackson didn't seem likable to me, yet, I agree that likability is not a criteria for a great Full general, I don't similar him, yet, if we must have wars, nosotros surely thank God that men similar him are on your side.
Aside from describing Jackson's many victories in battle, our author makes a gallant attempt to capture the essence of the human being and at times he is successful. JR supplies quotes from the people closest to him, subordinates and those who take run afoul of him, so y'all get so much commentary going in some many directions that I discover it difficult to know this man. At times, he is mad, other times he is a vivid warrior, other times a brutal task master, and at other times, a church elderberry, sophisticated business man, and a man who is a welcomed guest to the homes of the Southward'southward aristocracy citizens.
When the Army went into winter quarters, after Antietam, JR presented a softer Jackson. He visited homes and was gracious and witty. His wife came to visit with the new baby Julia, and he was a proud begetter. During this period, we saw the humanity in the man, and it did provide some residuum to the harsh strict enervating persona of a General Stonewall Jackson.
The battle of Chancellorsville is described superbly in hour by hour detail. Jackson, Lee, and Stewart develop a desperate plan that could bring defeat to the Southward, if information technology failed. Jackson quietly moved his second corps around the Federal army and inflicted a punishing blow to the Federal correct flank. This could be Jackson'south greatest feat in his fighting career, he says as such from his death bed. Beginning in darkness, He moved the second Corps approximately 13,000 in number, ten miles in lighting speed, all the while riding up and downwards the long line encouraging and cajoling. What amazed this reviewer was that his Corps sensed what Jackson was doing and to a human being were "all in", at times they were running during the 10-mile march to become onto the federal right flank. This one fact speaks volumes about how the Second Corps felt about Jackson, and volumes near Jackson as a God of War and a inspirational leader of men. These men sensed that Old jack was upwardly to his brilliant cocky and nigh to practise the impossible. They just knew he was pursuing greatness and they were going to be part of information technology.
Jackson is wounded in an after dark reconnaissance and hither again JR's narrative becomes captivating. In infinitesimal detail from the time Stonewall is hit iii times by the large 57 caliber bullets fired by his own men, the description of the scene is surreal. How the wounds were inflicted, how Jackson suffered in silence even when dropped by litter bearers twice! His concluding hours on this world are captured past the words of the men and doctors at his side. JR with his attention to detail ably puts the reader right next to Jackson in his terminal hours.
The epilogue traces the trip to Jackson'south terminal resting identify in the cemetery at Lexington and the outpouring of emotion at every signal forth the way. The whole spectacle reminded this reader of the pageantry displayed by our nation at the death of President Kennedy in 1963. Many Generals perished in the Civil War; none were mourned like Jackson.
In finality, one tin can just speculate nearly afterward battles if Jackson was present. What would Gettysburg accept been like if Old Jack had been on the field? We can only gauge.
Richardson deserves a world of credit for this master slice.
...more
Jackson basically grew upwardly every bit an Orphan and the one sis who he was close to became estranged at the end of his life. He was full of honey and quite tender with Children and both of his wives. I found him to exist quite quirky which is probably why I feel in beloved with him. He complained that 1 arm was heavier than This book was my first introduction - and what an introduction it was to Stonewall Jackson. I found the volume a footling slow to get into at first just at the end I was balling like a baby.
Jackson basically grew upwards every bit an Orphan and the one sister who he was close to became estranged at the end of his life. He was full of love and quite tender with Children and both of his wives. I plant him to be quite quirky which is probably why I feel in dearest with him. He complained that one arm was heavier than the other and information technology was not unusual for Jackson to lift that one arm in the air so the blood could run back downwardly and save the backlog weight. He highly believed in Water Therapy and enjoyed going to Spring resorts. He also had a sensitive stomach and I loved the fact that he would attend dinner parties but not eat what was existence served. He had a very strict diet and did not fray.
Fun fact: Jackson loved bookstores and could spend hours going through the shelves, military books were big. He never read a newspaper, especially during the Civil War.
After the Mexican State of war, Jackson became a professor at VMI (southern equivalent to Due west Bespeak). Probably not the nigh loved, he was strict and stern. Practical jokes were played on Jackson and he received his nickname of "Old Jack" from his teaching years. Jackson taught several hundreds cadets the study of artillery and in a sense gave the best lesson of guns to time to come confederate soldiers. Many cadets that Jackson taught ended up becoming outstanding Confederate soldiers.
His opinion on slavery was not an event much discussed. He did accept a "slave" per say in Jim Lewis. He did buy Slaves, generally they were "gratuitous" under Jacksons' eyes considering they bought back their freedom to him.
Jackson was not in favor of the Civil War. Per Anna Jackson, Stonewall would accept preferred for the South to fight for her political rights in the Union rather than out of it. Jackson was a laic in States rights. Virginia was his home. Jackson believed that in serving the Confederate Army that he was glorifying God. The Civil state of war was non only a political boxing just a religious crusade also. He would exercise the Lord's work the best manner he could every bit a soldier.
General Stonewall Jackson energized his troops. He was stern merely seemed to care for all his troops serving under him. Jackson gave the Amalgamated Regular army his life only also the virtually famous nickname in Military History. Henry Loma was quoted "Look men, there is Jackson standing similar a stone wall." Jackson also had this weird face up twitch that would happen before battle and a proverb became "Old Jack is making faces at the yankees."
The General did not receive all fabled praise during the civil state of war. Madness, physical and mental fatigue, his secretive means, not informing his subordinates all were complaints during the Generals time.
Jacksons highest point during the Ceremonious State of war was in Harpers Ferry. Jackson had bagged 435 Officers and 12,085 soldiers - the largest surrender of Federal Troops. 73 useable cannons barbarous into the Arms loving General's easily likewise equally wagons, clothing, nutrient and mules. Harpers Ferry was the near consummate victory the South had.
Jackson was finally blessed with a kid, from married woman Anna. The love Jackson displayed and showed Anna was tender and would get out most women jealous. He lost ii previous babies earlier Julia.
Bullets from friendly fire is what ended Stonewall Jackson. He was shot 3 times, once in the hand and twice in the arm which had to exist amputeed. Jackson was noted asking for liquor for the pain, which is something he never touched because he liked the taste. 4 surgeons operated on Jackson, including his good friend McGuire. Anna would be by his side when he died. The grief was unbearable and for the first fourth dimension the Southern crusade seemed doubtful.
Stonewall Jackson was a wonderful solider, doting husband, god-loving man. ...more
The most distracting part for me was the reverential tone that the author employed towards his subject area. I understand that for any biographer to spend this much time with a bailiwick, one has to observe that discipline fascinating and worthy of te
An exhaustively detailed biography of Stonewall Jackson, this book is impressive in its scholarship, depth, and the fourth dimension taken to correct and sort out competing claims of previous biographers. That being said, this biography didn't piece of work for me on a few accounts.The most distracting part for me was the reverential tone that the writer employed towards his subject. I empathize that for whatsoever biographer to spend this much time with a bailiwick, one has to find that subject fascinating and worthy of telling the story of. But Robertson seemt to go beyond the usual authorial distance, and that bled over into the second problem: that of analysis.
At times the analysis consumes more pages than the historical reportage. While some analysis is always welcome, when the writer dismisses all human frailties of his subject area as being merely symptoms of the grander and nobler impulses at piece of work in Jackson'southward life. The author as well takes each historical anecdote every bit another opportunity to reiterate his underlying claims about the greatness of Jackson's grapheme, and how this minor incident can foreshadow this human being of destiny. I'm of the opinion that Stonewall Jackson is a remarkable figure because of his significant flaws, and what he was able to accomplish in spite of them. In this view, the biographer and I part ways markedly.
In summary: An undoubtedly important work that gear up the historical record straight and sorted out myth and fable from what can be known of fact, the book'southward analysis and tone didn't work for me.
...more
The second half focuses "Bud" Robertson has been a friend for more than than 30 years, so, yes, I take a certain bias. This is Bud'due south best and near exhaustive book. The showtime half of this 900+-folio book focuses on Jackson's early on life and the forces that would make him a ferocious Confederate soldier and a securely religious man. It explores the puzzler of Jackson's credence of slavery as God'south volition, and his willingness to teach slaves to read and write, a practice outlawed in Virginia at the time.
The second one-half focuses on his state of war career, discussing how he drove his men into seemingly impossible accomplishments, and how he approached each boxing that lay before him. I tin hands recommend the first part for those interested in the homo'southward development, and the 2nd half for those most interested in the strategy of war.
Bud, with the help of his late wife Libba, researched the book for most of a decade, fifty-fifty locating Jackson'southward Book of Maxims, his personal instructions on how he should behave in life. Bud wrote the book past hand, a practice he says kept his prose direct and succinct. And the most significant observation about Bud writing the book is, that later he wrote the final few words of information technology, he hugged his wife, and they both cried over the breadth of this achievement. ...more
It is scholarly yet easy to read and sympathize. I got the feeling that I was right there next to Jackson every bit he worked, lived and fought. Robertson debunks a number of myths about Jackson and his tactics that were propagated by early biographers and give
A fabulous biography on Erstwhile Jack from a Ceremonious War historian second to none! Dr. Robertson is an expert and lifelong pupil of Jackson (his dissertation was on the Stonewall Brigade) and he has done exhaustive research in writing this biography.Information technology is scholarly all the same easy to read and understand. I got the feeling that I was correct there next to Jackson as he worked, lived and fought. Robertson debunks a number of myths virtually Jackson and his tactics that were propagated by early biographers and gives a comprehensive film of the man - warts and all.
Having lived in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia for v years, I felt I already knew a good deal about Full general Jackson - not truthful! If yous really want the definitive biography on Stonewall Jackson, expect no further! I did not desire the book to end!
...more 
The Civil War battles were very well chronicled and written. His death was handled brilliantly and touchingly. I would have liked the writer's take on what if stuff, only that really is not the realm of a biographer. I appreciated the fact tha
I would have given information technology a 4.5 if I could. A really well researched book roofing his life from a boy till he crossed the river. The reason I didn't give it a 5 was due to somewhat wearisome start of the book covering in almost likewise much detail of his young life.The Civil War battles were very well chronicled and written. His death was handled brilliantly and touchingly. I would have liked the author'south accept on what if stuff, but that really is not the realm of a biographer. I appreciated the fact that the good and the bad was shown. I began to understand why the Confederacy revered him so much. A marvelous warrior, a loving married man who loved not only his child, but many children, a stern and even unrelenting authoritarian, ofttimes at the wrong time and a human of foreign quirks.
I thought the author did an fantabulous task of carrying Stonewall's incredible conventionalities in the Lord, and how it really was a unlike time. Well worth the read.
...more than
News & Interviews
Welcome dorsum. Just a moment while we sign you lot in to your Goodreads business relationship.
Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/98475.Stonewall_Jackson
0 Response to "Stonewall Jackson the Man the Soldier the Legend Book Review"
Post a Comment