ePub Seven Days In July: A Historical Account Of The Battle Of Atlanta by Kenneth A. Griffiths in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Atlanta's Seven Days' BattleBy Amanda WarrenI am always game for a book on the Atlanta Campaign. As noted historian Earl Hess states in his recent book "The Battle of Ezra Church;" the battles during the Atlanta Campaign "are among the more important; interesting; and instructive engagements of the Civil War." (p. xv)The beauty of "Seven Days in July" is that it fully conveys just how important and interesting and pivotal was the period of time from July 16 through July 22; 1864. The author accomplishes this mainly by his mastery of the personality of the individuals involved. He employs a unique method of supplying thoughts and dialogue; which might offend purists--but is done with such skill and correlates so convincingly with known personalities that it never seems contrived. He also peppers the text with actual orders and notes in handwritten font which adds an interesting dimension to one's reading experience. Griffiths manages to weave into his text every detail of troop movements; logistics; terrain; weather; even the names of officers' horses; to create a satisfying sense of the reality of preparatory operations and battle itself.In such an in-depth treatment; the author is bound to tread on some controversial territory. For example; he breaches a taboo imposed by the current Hood clique in even broaching the subject of laudanum. Also vehemently denied by Hood's apologists; he has Johnston thoroughly explaining his plans to the new Southern commander. I believe; however; that overall Griffiths is fair to Hood by conveying the complexity and extreme difficulty of the situation he inherited on the eve of battle. The author also repeats Grant's self-serving story; a doctrine since disproven; that Grant saved the Chattanooga garrison from starvation. (See Frank Varney; "Rewriting History.")Also in a book of this length; some mistakes crop up. For example; on July 22 General Walker orders an aide: "Find Stevens and tell him . . ." (p. 323) but Clement Stevens was dead by this time; killed in the Battle of Atlanta on July 20. He confuses General Lucius Polk with his uncle; General Leonidas Polk. (p. 415) The "dead angle" is stated as being on Kennesaw Mountain "itself" (p. 180) but it is south of the elevation. Some might argue that he overstates the defeat wrought on Nathan Bedford Forrest at Parker's Crossroads; claiming nearly 300 of Forrest's horsemen were captured in "a near total defeat" (p. 336); although Forrest's foremost biographer; Brian Wills; states Forrest "extricated most of his men from the battle." ("Battle From the Start;" p. 96) I could bring up some additional details but they would probably amount to nitpicking.The author offers some refreshing viewpoints of players who are otherwise excoriated. Joseph Wheeler receives (mostly deservedly; I believe) a highly sympathetic treatment. Additionally; the Georgia militia; usually completely dismissed; are shown to be surprisingly effectual; culminating with their capture of two guns on July 22.The quality of this book that I most want to convey is the author's glorious presentation of the heroism and humanity of the combatants. He does a fine job conveying the talent and energy of John Logan; and his description of the battle death of Col. Lucien Greathouse moved me to tears.The other main point to leave with you is the sheer enjoyability of reading this book. I had just slogged through a very intensive battle study; and "Seven Days in July" came as a relief--not from being superficial in any sense; or any less informative or serious. Instead; it gave me a sense of personal connection with the events and cast of this most momentous drama.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Did not know a great deal about the battes for AtlantaBy Thomas W BakerWell written. Fast read. Did not know a great deal about the battes for Atlanta. Know I feel better informed. Would recommend this book for all civil war buffs. Very good maps.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The battle of Atlanta in TechnicolorBy HollanderI am not from the South but have lived in Atlanta for a while. I had of course heard about the battle of Atlanta and seen "gone with the Wind"; but had never really connected with the Civil War; the battle of Atlanta or the people that fought on both sides of this conflict.This book changed all that. If ever a book that I have read made history come alive; this is the one. Simple names that we have all heard become 3-dimensional and colorful people; the events that took place become very real and the excellent maps in the book make the events easy to follow. The author's style is engaging and Seven Days in July is just hard to put down.