ebooks Breckinridge: Statesman; Soldier; Symbol by William C. Davis in History

Review

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. A little dry; but thorough and necessaryBy D. ChapmanIf you want to learn about John C. Breckinridge; Confederate general and 14th Vice President of the United States; this book is clearly the place to start. For one thing; there doesn't appear to be another biography on the man in print. And though it would seem to damn the book with the faint praise to say it is the best out of a group of one; I can say without hesitation that William Davis has contributed an essential volume to our collected history of Civil War personalities.The book traces Breckinridge as he grows up and becomes a lawyer in Kentucky; fights in the Mexican-American War; serves in the state legislature and U.S. Congress; and is elected Vice President of the United States at the youngest age in history. His ascension is meteoric; until his tragic decision to fight for the Confederacy in the Civil War destroys his legacy. Davis presents a balanced view of Breckinridge; occasionally interjecting with his own admiration or disappointment in the man; and makes a compelling case that Breckinridge deserves to spoken of as one of the major figures of the Civil War without ever descending into hero-worship or demonizing.The book is thoroughly researched and includes exhaustive detail; particularly in recounting individual battles of the war. It's not light reading; but anyone interested in military history will enjoy the comprehensive approach Davis has taken. For others; it's easy enough to skim these sections and still come away with an appreciation for this once greatly admired public figure who has almost totally vanished from the national consciousness. It's not a casual read; but it's an excellent scholarly text. Highly recommended.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Gentleman from Virginia Civil War History BuffBy CommodoreThis book is extremely well researched! It is a fascinating read and a must-have for a Civil War historian's library.I married into the Breckenridge family and purchased this book as a gift for my wife. Now I have purchased three more volumes as gifts for other members of the "clan."William C. Davis did an outstanding job of researching and writing this important historical work. (He spent nine years interviewing various members of the family; including visits to Cabell's Dale in the Blue Grass Country of Kentucky.)Davis's accounts of Breckinridge's life post Civil War fill in the gaps not covered by other Civil War historians.Highly recommended!!!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A little overboard on detail but overall an excellant book.By R. Scott PearsonThe author is a well respected Civil War author and expert. Obviously there is a tremendous amount of material available on John Breckinridge because Mr. Davis seems to include it all in this book. This is not a negative. If you wish to understand the tension and politics that ruled the mid 1800's you will have a full understanding after reading this book.John C Breckinridge was a true man of his times and you will close this book with a true understanding of the evnts leading up to The Civil War.