In the tradition of Ezra J. Warner’s magisterial Generals in Gray; military historian Dan C. Fullerton supplies an indispensable reference work on Confederate forces over the entire course of the Civil War. Armies in Gray details the development and organization of the southern armies; their evolution over the course of the conflict; their command structure; and their geographic assignment and placement. Developed through a decade-long analysis of an array of primary-source materials; Armies in Gray provides an entirely new understanding of the operations and strategies of the Civil War by examining how the Confederate War Department and field commanders used their fighting forces.Unlike typical battle histories; which analyze the events of a single action at a single point in time or offer only a brief overview of the fighting forces’ overall organization; Armies in Gray focuses on the structure of the Confederate ranks as a whole. Fullerton’s meticulous examination of the Confederate Army allows readers to assess how well military leaders utilized their troops to achieve their tactical goals as they waged battles against the armies of the North. Divided into three-month quarters over the duration of the war; this reference guide details the origins of all Confederate brigades; divisions; corps; districts; and departments. It also reports on ordered changes to these units; providing details on the evolution of Confederate forces and on how commanders deployed them through the entirety of the war. By looking at the organization of the Confederate armies in each quarter; readers can gain a clearer picture of the forces available to southern military leaders as they developed their plans at every stage of the Civil War.Armies in Gray fills a void in Civil War studies; providing an accurate picture of the development of the Confederate armies; how commanders wielded them; and ultimately; how they were defeated by the Union Army as the nation’s bloodiest conflict drew to a close.
#947725 in Books Louisiana State University Press 2011-04-08 2011-04-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .94 x 6.25l; 1.23 #File Name: 0807137693280 pages
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A bit too heavyBy BeeperdoI've done some study of the subject matter in this book and almost gave up on it in the first 10 pages. Quickly define Pennyroyal; Manichean; and internecine without a reference aid. Get the idea? The words pragmatism and pragmatic are terribly overused. The author is an obvious scholar and student of the Civil War in Appalachia. What is missing is the ability to relate a very compelling story to an average reader in terms they can readily understand. This book offers no answers and perhaps there are no answers to give. The Champ Ferguson story is an enigma that will forever be tainted with opinion. This book is the most well researched study I have ever encountered on this subject. The author has spent considerable time in putting this work together. Too bad he didn't spend more time in conveying that research in readily; understandable terms. I would have enjoyed his efforts much more.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great BookBy Katherine WebbA lot of local history here and very interesting things about Champ Ferguson and the times. I definitely would recommend if you like Civil War history0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Jammie GoffI purchased this for my father because some of our relatives are mentioned in the book.
