audiobook Chicago's Irish Legion: The 90th Illinois Volunteers in the Civil War by James B. Swan in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Refreshingly broad and deep.By JonaonaThis is a very refreshing book. It is a great read. The Civil War has become so popularized in modern literature that hard research is becoming harder to find. In this milieu; James Swan's book sets exactly the right tone. It is entertaining enough to keep the attention of a broad readership but is also filled with a great deal of original research that will engage the dedicated student of Civil War history. From all appearances; many years of work with new and original documents went into this manuscript. The text is very carefully put together. But there is also a lightness in the recounting of how normal human foibles affected the day-to-day functioning of this unusual group of soldiers.There may be several "unexpected" audiences for this book; apart from those with a keen interest in the Civil War. There are important parts of the history of Chicago here. And of course anyone of Irish descent or otherwise interested in how the immigrant Irish acclimated to the dominant US culture should find this book quite interesting. The formation of the 90th Illinois regiment was very much a search for acceptance by impoverished refugees in a new land. But it was an acceptance that carried a very high price. More than 60% of the regiment did not come home; or at least did not come home in the ordinary course of things. What exactly is a deserter is often a highly debatable characterization.And then there is a fascinating portrayal in the book of the role of the local Catholic Church in gathering men to send off to battle. This is an aspect of the church in America that is seldom explored. Its theological implications hark back to much earlier times in distant lands.James Swan nicely brings all of these divergent themes together. The reader is inevitably required to think about a lot of things that are not obvious in a book that seems to be about a single Civil War regiment.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent ReadBy LukerJust finished reading Chicago's Irish Legion. Dr. Swan's description of the 90th in the Washington Grand Review brought tears to my eyes. That would have been a sight to see!I didn't understand how the 90th's Quartermaster Sheridan; following capture by the Confederates; would be held at St. Louis pending his exchange; as that city was controlled by the North. A bit of research indicated such "gentlemen's agreements" for exchanges occurred during the early part of the war.Dr. Swan's mention of 90th troops needing to delouse themselves brought to mind another book; The Diary of a Napoleonic Foot Soldier by Jakob Walter.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. James B. Swan; CHICAGO'S IRISH LEGIONBy Sam C. Gant; Professor emeritus; Nashville State Community CollegeJames B. Swan; CHICAGO'S IRISH LEGION; is a very well written account of this unique regiment of the Union Army in the Civil War. Swan gives an account of the action of this regiment as the Federal Army battles at Missionary Ridge and on through the Atlanta Campaign.