The story of the author's great-grandfather's Civil War experience; based on a remarkable set of newly discoverd letters—a powerful; moving addition to the firsthand soldiers' accounts of the Civil War.Dear Mother; I was very glad to hear from home this morning. It is the first time since I left Otterville. We marched from Sedalia 120 miles....I almost feel anxious to be in a battle yet I am almost afraid. I feel very brave sometimes think if I should be in an engagement; I never would leave the field alive unless the stars stripes floated triumphant. I do not know how it may be. If there is a battle I should fall; tell with pride not with grief that I fell in defense of liberty. Pray that I may be a true soldier. Not since Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage have the trials and tribulations of a private soldier of the Civil War been told with such beguiling force. The Red Badge of Courage; however; was fiction. This story is true. In Testament; Benson Bobrick draws upon an extraordinarily rich but hitherto untapped archive of material to create a continuous narrative of how that war was fought and lived. Here is virtually the whole theater of conflict in the West; from its beginnings in Missouri; through Kentucky and Tennessee; to the siege of Atlanta under Sherman; as experienced by Bobrick's great-grandfather; Benjamin W. ("Webb") Baker; an articulate young Illinois recruit. Born and raised not far from the Lincoln homestead in Coles County; Webb had stood in the audience of one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates; become a staunch Unionist; and answered one of Abraham Lincoln's first calls for volunteers. The ninety-odd letters on which his story is based are fully equal to the best letters the war produced; especially by a common soldier; but their wry intelligence; fortitude; and patriotic fervor also set them apart with a singular and still-undying voice. In the end; that voice blends with the author's own; as the book becomes a poignant tribute to his great-grandfather's life -- and to all the common soldiers of the nation's bloodiest war.
#1194508 in Books Rowman Littlefield Publishers 2005-12-05 2005-12-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.06 x .91 x 7.00l; 1.64 #File Name: 074255094X428 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. a beautiful book! marvelous! very personal; written in an easy to understand way; a must have!By shaima aI love this book! I've bought several over the years and given them as gifts.This book is very unique because it's written in a very personal form; almost like a diary; where the author; each evening has philosophical discussions about modern issues with wise muslim scholars of the past.Abou El Fadl whom I actually went to meet after reading the book is a progressive muslim; with many shared views to my own and my upbringing. I feel this book must be required reading for all muslims; for them to truly see the beauty in Islam; and not what they see on tv done by non spiritual people in the name of faith. a true tragedy.This book is divided in to separate chapters; so you don't have to read them sequentially; and you don't have to be an expert in religion (there's no such thing actually) to enjoy this book; just have an open mind and an open heart.His other books are more academic and more for the serious student; but for me; this book; and the book by Elif Shafak called The forty rules of love are beautiful books to truly move you; and to come to the realization that all faiths are the same in essence; and the true practice is kindness and compassion to yourself and others.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An eye-openerBy Former BookwormThe title is not normally something I'd be attracted to; because I would assume that the content is boring. However; I had listened to the author online; and found him to be knowledgeable and intelligent; capable of employing reason as a tool toward finding the truth; while remaining authentic to the sources and consistent in his methodology (or at least as consistent as humans can strive to be). The book was an eye-opener - I knew our discussions on tradition had been far more rich than they are now; but hadn't realized the extent of it. Highly recommended.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. At a time where Islam has been highjacked by rogue ...By Michael MeguidAt a time where Islam has been highjacked by rogue elements; this book is a timely reminder that Islam has a gentle philosophical side
