Read this classic memoir from the American Civil War; complete with images and other perspectives; for an enriching; unforgettable experience. This is the most famous and best-selling memoir of the American Civil War; now fully illustrated for the first time. Samuel Watkins faithfully served throughout the duration of the Civil War. Of the 120 men who enlisted in "Company H" in 1861; Sam Watkins was one of only seven alive when General Joseph E. Johnston's Army of Tennessee surrendered to General William Tecumseh Sherman in North Carolina in April 1865. Of the 3;200 men who fought in the First Tennessee; only 65 were left to be paroled on that day. Soon after the war ended; Watkins began writing his memoir; entitled Co. "Aytch": The First Tennessee Regiment or a Side Show of the Big Show; which is heralded by many historians as one of the best war memoirs written by a common soldier of the field. Sam's writing style is quite engaging and skillfully captures the pride; misery; glory; and horror experienced by the common foot soldier. This beautifully illustrated edition of Co. "Aytch" includes writings from great Civil War generals; such as James Longstreet and William T. Sherman; as well as some of today's best contemporary historians; such as Doris Kearns Goodwin; James M. McPherson; Allan Nevins; and Bruce Catton; all of whom won the Pulitzer Prize for history. It is also richly illustrated with photos and illustrations from the Library of Congress; the George Eastman House; the National Parks Service; many of the country's major Civil War collections; and the National War College.
#178850 in Books imusti 1996-07-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.13 x .50 x 6.13l; .92 #File Name: 0760301220224 pagesZenith Press
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very interesting facts and stories not well packagedBy Flying PhotographerIn this case I have to side with the (currently) most helpful critical review by Mr. Aa Whatley; in that this is a potentially excellent story that put simply wasn't told in an engaging way. Col. Graham evidently is well suited to know all that is to know about the Blackbird (or Habu as he would probably prefer) and its operational career; but his writing skills are unfortunately at a very different level. The use of an aviation-versed co-author probably would have helped significantly in order to turn this collection of very interesting facts and stories into an engaging book.Simply flying the Habu clearly was a skill owned by very few highly gifted aviators; and even fewer were able to successfully fly the demanding operations very close to (and probably more than a few times inside) enemy territory in this unarmed aircraft. The technical challenges and solutions developed in the late 50s and early 60s are staggering and clearly pushed the very edge of the envelop at that time for flying operations. The capabilities that the Blackbird was able to consistently reproduce on every flight are still unmatched today; in the era of UAVs and much improved satellites. And let's face it; this aircraft has like few others a special charm and flair!With this highly interesting material; the reader should expect a lot of technical content; coupled with some gripping flying stories. While they are there in this book; they get lost among the rather awkward structure of the book and the extremely dry narrative. A much better example (and with much more technical information) is Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions (General Aviation); if you can get a copy. Hopefully some farseeing editor in the future will undertake the task of finding a suitable co-author and get Col. Graham to rewrite this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Colonel Graham has written one of the best books on the SR-71 I have ever readBy Kenneth GrahamColonel Graham has written one of the best books on the SR-71 I have ever read. I just wish he had hired me to do the video on it instead of CAV MEDIA.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. My favorite air plane in the worldBy D. J. SingerMy favorite air plane in the world.....I regret; greatly; and personally that the plane was taken out of service; and the actual air frames were mounted for display; the oil and fuel; very special products; ceased to be produced; and there were no mechanics who knew enough about this amazing craft; so they could remain flyable....if the US government says something is too expensive to continue; it must be REALLY expensive; so taking the plane out of service was a money saving device; considering we now have satellites that can do the same mission as the SR71; but I want to see it fly again; as it was such a special airplane.
