FINALIST FOR BIOGRAPHY; 2008; ARMY HISTORICAL FOUNDATION DISTINGUISHED BOOK AWARD WINNER; 2009; THE DOUGLAS SOUTHALL FREEMAN AWARD FOR BEST BOOK ON SOUTHERN HISTORY Jedediah Hotchkiss; Stonewall Jackson’s renowned mapmaker; expressed the feelings of many contemporaries when he declared that Robert Rodes was the best division commander in the Army of Northern Virginia. This well-deserved accolade is all the more remarkable considering that Rodes; a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and a prewar railroad engineer; was one of a very few officers in Lee’s army to rise so high without the benefit of a West Point education. Major General Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia: A Biography; is the first deeply researched scholarly biography on this remarkable Confederate officer. From First Manassas in 1861 to Third Winchester in 1864; Rodes served in all the great battles and campaigns of the legendary Army of Northern Virginia. He quickly earned a reputation as a courageous and inspiring leader who delivered hard-hitting attacks and rock steady defensive efforts. His greatest moment came at Chancellorsville in the spring of 1863; when he spearheaded Stonewall Jackson’s famous flank attack that crushed the left wing of General Hooker’s Army of the Potomac. Rodes began the conflict with a deep yearning for recognition and glory; coupled with an indifferent attitude toward religion and salvation. When he was killed at the height of his glorious career at Third Winchester on September 19; 1864; a trove of prayer books and testaments were found on his corpse. Based upon exhaustive new research; Darrell Collins’s new biography breathes life into a heretofore largely overlooked Southern soldier. Although Rodes’ widow consigned his personal papers to the flames after the war; Collins has uncovered a substantial amount of firsthand information to complete this compelling portrait of one of Robert E. Lee’s most dependable field generals. Darrell L. Collins is the author of several books on the Civil War; including General William Averell’s Salem Raid: Breaking the Knoxville Supply Line (1999) and Jackson’s Valley Campaign: The Battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic (The Virginia Civil War Battles and Leaders Series; 1993). A native of Ann Arbor; Michigan; Darrell and his wife Judith recently relocated to Conifer; Colorado.
#1264934 in Books 2004-04-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.50 x 1.10 x 8.00l; #File Name: 0192803581280 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Patricia H. ParkerExcellent book; readable length; quick delivery; would use seller again; thank you5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Excellent author; excellent bookBy Luis MansillaGreat book; every page of it. If you are not very acquainted with India history and if you are seeking for a concise history of British Rule in this country; this is for sure a good choice. The reading is absorbing; in particular on how the author explain the most important aspects of the 350 years of interaction; using lots of real notes and letters of those who lived there -- accounts that help you grasp; and understand better; how was it to live in India in those years; both for Britons and Indians. The relationship was difficult and left some sensibilities in the Indians that last to this day; but I think it was meant to be since both rulers and ruled were so different in almost every aspect.One corollary from the partition of India is that is not good to have two strong religions in a country; for that meaning rivalry and violence. You can see that also in the ex-Yugoslavia and even in today Iraq (shia and sunni muslims).1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not as good as I hopedBy Paul CulottaNot as good as I hoped. This book is a cursory overview with very little meat in it. Fortunately I got it used at a very low price.
