PDF Confederate Goliath: The Battle of Fort Fisher by Rod Gragg in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Perfect book for anybody with an interest in the Civil ...By S. HARDISONPerfect book for anybody with an interest in the Civil War or military historyI purchased this just before a trip to Wilmington; NC as I had driven by the fort a number of times but knew very little about the battle.Story:This is a very well-researched and fascinating story about one of the most important battles of the late war. It follows some of the major figures who participated and really gives insight into their individual motivations and experiences during that time.Writing Style:I don't think I've come across a military historian whose writing style I enjoyed this much since Shelby Foote. It tends to read like a novel with a natural flow to it. Rod Gragg really paints a picture of the events and almost makes you feel like you've witnessed them firsthand (sounds cheesy; but it's really that good). He makes the subject accessible even to those who are fairly new to the civil war; but also doesn't dumb things down for those looking for an in-depth analysis of the battle.Overall:I have personally recommended this book to friends (and loaned them my copy) with the general consensus being that it is one of the most interesting and well-written books out there about the Civil War. Looking forward to reading more from this author.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good Book on a Little Known Civil War BattleBy D AndertonWhile not as comprehensive as "The Wilimington Campaign" by Fonvielle; Gragg has written a fine book focusing on the Union assault on Fort Fisher in Decemeber 1864 and January 1865. The coordination of this amphibious assault with over 50 ships and nearly 10;000 union soldiers; marines and sailors was not surpassed until the Normandy invasion in 1944. Gragg does a wonderful job of portraying the personalities of the key commanders: union and confederate:William Lamb who painstaking improved the fort's defenses over a period of two and one half years prior to the battles--ultimately constructing what was referred to as the "Gilbraltar of the South".William Whiting--district commander of Wilmington--a promising West Point graduate who returned to the south following the attack on Fort Sumter and chose to be present at the fort during the assault.Braxton Bragg--the man who more than anyone else assured the Union victory by refusing to attack the Union rear.Benjamin ("the beast") Butler--relieved of command after preemptively aborting the first Battle of Fort Fisher.Admiral David Porter--convinced that an ad hoc attack by sailors and marines could rush the ramparts of the fort before the Union Army could get organized.A conviction; while untrue; materially aided the ultimate outcome at a terrible personal cost.Adelbert Ames--an overly cautious commander who did become the last surviving general officer of the Civil War (living to 1933).Martin Curtis--Brigade commander who clashed with Ames to push through to victory.Galusha Pennypacker--The youngest man ever commissioned as a general in the US Army.Alfred Terry--who a decade later would have the displeasure of reporting to Washington the massacre of Custer at the Little Big Horn.and MANY more.......This is a fine read with many photographs; maps; etc.; to aid the reader in visualzing the fort and the battle.I had to buy a second copy -- gave my first copy to a family member.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. BEST EVER.By Mckendree LongI grew up in Wilmington NC and have been visiting Fort Fisher since 1955. My wife's 16 year old 2G grandfather was wounded and captured there in the final assault. This book is by far the best history of that final period of the Confederacy I've read. The detail is amazing; and yet it flows and kept my interest like a great novel. I think any WBTS student will love this book and benefit from it.