The Maps of the Wilderness: An Atlas of the Wilderness Campaign; May 2-7; 1864 continues Bradley M. Gottfried’s efforts to study and illustrate the major campaigns of the Civil War’s Eastern Theater. This is his fifth book in the ongoing Savas Beatie Military Atlas Series. The previous four were The Maps of Gettysburg (2007); The Maps of First Bull Run (2009); The Maps of Antietam (2012); and The Maps of the Bristoe Station and Mine Run Campaigns (2013).This latest magisterial work breaks down the entire campaign (and all related operational maneuvers) into 24 map sets or “action-sections†enriched with 120 original full-page color maps. These spectacular cartographic creations bore down to the regimental and battery level. The Maps of the Wilderness includes an assessment of the winter of 1863-1864; the planning for the campaign; the crossing of the Rapidan River; and two days of bloody combat and the day of watchful stalemate thereafter.At least one—and as many as eight—maps accompany each “action-section.†Opposite each map is a full facing page of detailed footnoted text describing the units; personalities; movements; and combat (including quotes from eyewitnesses) depicted on the accompanying map; all of which make the story of the first large-scale combat of 1864 come alive. Each cartographic snapshot also serves to unlock everything ever written on the subject. This detailed coverage also includes an order of battle; interview with the author; bibliography; and an index.This original presentation leads readers on a journey through the epic battle that would prove to be the opening salvo in a prolonged fight that would not end until the Confederates surrendered at Appomattox in April 1865. The Wilderness Campaign has two unique characteristics. First; although he did not command the Army of the Potomac; the battle was Ulysses S. Grant’s first against General Robert E. Lee. Second; the Wilderness fighting—prolonged; bloody; and inconclusive—is widely viewed as the most confusing action of the entire war. The dense thickets and deep smoke obscured much of what occurred during the two days of combat. Gottfried’s book cuts through the confusion to deliver a clear account of the horrendous struggle.Perfect for the easy chair or for walking hallowed ground; The Maps of the Wilderness is a seminal work that; like his earlier studies; belongs on the bookshelf of every serious and casual student of the Civil War; or in the hands of an avid enthusiast out walking the Hallowed Ground.
#672225 in Books 2013-04-09 2013-04-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.00 x 6.12l; 1.00 #File Name: 1610392345408 pages
Review
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful. Front Burner - A MUST read!By William R. HuntemanTHIS IS A MUST READ BOOK! Both for historical reasons and for insights into gross failures on the part of the Intelligence community; 'Big' Navy; DOD and the Administrations of Clinton and Bush. This book does not read like a thriller or like a superbly crafted novel from Clancy or the like. It reads like a warrior wrote it; trying to tell the story of not only what he went through; but what Officers; Chiefs and Enlisteds who served as his crew went through. It reads like what it is - a real view of what the man went through; and what he saw his crew went through. Kirk's narrative comes across genuine and real. He doesn't seem like a monolithic hero carved of granite. He comes across as what he is - a GOOD CO who got put into a bad situation and brought his crew through. And THAT; ultimately is what this book is about - a recording of what his crew did and a memorial to what they went through and what they did.I am in a unique position to comment on Front Burner. At the time of the Cole murders (the attack in Yeman) I was assigned as the Strike and Surface Warfare assistant at Commander Destroyer Squadron TWO TWO - the Cole's Immediate Superior In Command (ISIC). I knew and know Kirk Lippold and I was not only privy to many of the events described in the book; I knew and know several of the crew of the Cole.Part of our duty as ISIC was to arrange; facilitate; oversee and certify the training and inspections she and the rest of COMDESRON TWO TWO's 8 ships went through during the workups and preparations for deploying. As a result I had dealt with Kirk and a number of the people mentioned in Front Burner. We (slowly) found out some of what was mentioned; but I've even learned some things about the attack that I did not know.I cannot do this book; or that crew of the COLE justice. You must read it. This was the first salvo in the 'long war' and their story NEEDS not only to be told; it MUST BE HEARD!36 of 36 people found the following review helpful. Simply Amazing.By Scout67As a crew member on board during that fateful day; I and many others have waited a long time to have this story told. CDR Lippold did an amazing job with this. It was an honor to serve with him. If you are interested in the truth of what happened in yemen; definatly read this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I recently had the pleasure of attending a conference where ...By Norma_JeanI recently had the pleasure of attending a conference where Mr. Lippold was the speaker. I cannot even begin to tell you how this man and what he what he has done for this country have changed my perspective on how I see the world as a whole; and the elements of effective leadership; as the sole means for a successful and unified goal. He never gave up; nor did he ever let his team. Being from a military family; I am very much aware of how the forces work to serve our country; our people and in life; period. Thank you so much; Kirk Lippold for laying it all out there on the table and for bein in the right place; at the right time; to see this through and your ship/crew home. I seriously pray the White House brings you into a position to continue sharing your insight for the rest of your days and look forward to sharing your story with my brothers and my grandson (I purchased these books to be signed by you and givent o them as Christmas gifts this year).
