No study of the Civil War is complete without Private John S. Mosby; 1st Virginia Cavalry by Gregory P. Wilson. For fans of Mosby; this book is a unique perspective on the larger-than-life character as a young soldier picketing Northern Virginia. This work is a must-have for anyone learning about US history and the sociopolitical reality of its greatest armed conflict. For those unfamiliar with Mosby; he was known as the Confederacy’s “Gray Ghost;†a nickname earned later in the war; but grounded in his initial duty in Fairfax County. He was just a green picket and scout; gathering intelligence at a time when the country was experiencing its most divisive; internal turmoil. The parallels between this era and modern times can be drawn easily—and they should be. Through Private Mosby’s eyes; the reader will learn much about the development of tensions in the South throughout the years leading up to the rebellion. The stories of the war are utterly engaging; full of rare moments ignored by many historians. What makes this book so special is the wealth of first-person accounts; Mosby’s personal letters; a chapter about his slave and wartime companion; and the vivid stories retold by Wilson.
#3330676 in Books 2015-05-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x 1.32 x 5.25l; 1.32 #File Name: 1511693495528 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JoAnne MillerGives a view of the times that you can't get from a history book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Roderick BeardGreat book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The compelling story of a Civil War private; in his own words.By JohnWilliam Wallace Beard is my 3d great grandfather; through my paternal grandmother. He played his part in the Civil War; serving in the 18th Mississippi Infantry regiment. Like soldiers everywhere; he wrote home; to his parents and family; quite often. To our great fortune; his correspondence was saved; against all odds; and was not 'discovered' again until 2004. This quality book is the result of careful study of his letters home.So Much Blood is an invaluable book for historians and civil war buffs. It is a window into the world of a private soldier. He may have served under General Lee; but the conditions of his existence would have been the same had be been a Yankee soldier instead.
