Now in paperback; Glory or the Grave: The Breakthrough; the Union Collapse; and the Defense of Horseshoe Ridge; September 20; 1863 is the second volume in The Chickamauga Campaign; David Powell’s magnificent three-volume study of this overlooked and often misunderstood campaign. Chickamauga (Cherokee for “River of Deathâ€); lived up to its grim sobriquet in September 1863 when the Union Army of the Cumberland and Confederate Army of Tennessee waged a sprawling bloody combat along the banks of West Chickamauga Creek. This installment of Powell’s tour de force depicts the final day of battle; when the Confederate army attacked and broke through the Union lines. The massive rout that ensued was ameliorated somewhat by an incredible defensive stand atop Horseshoe Ridge; which Powell carefully dissects at the regimental level. No one understands Chickamauga like Powell; whose crisp prose and cogent analysis are based upon some 2;000 primary accounts. The result is a rich and deep portrait of the fighting and command relationships on a scale never before attempted; let alone accomplished. The third and final volume; Analysis of a Barren Victory; covers the confused retreat and pursuit into Chattanooga; insight into the fighting and its impact on the war as a whole; a detailed examination into the strengths and losses of the two armies; and an exhaustive bibliography. Powell’s magnum opus; complete with 37 original maps and 40 photos and illustrations is the culmination of more than a decade of research and study and a complete understanding of the battlefield’s complex terrain system. For any student of the Civil War in general; or the Western Theater in particular; Powell’s trilogy is a must-read.
#2737501 in Books 2012-06-15 #File Name: 1610162528310 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. EnlighteningBy James WeilerButler Shaffer is a master at putting into word's what being an individual human being really means. As an anarchist/libertarian it opened more doors to my inner self.29 of 31 people found the following review helpful. Excellent and Logical!By Thomas MadisonConsidering I'm only on Chapter 4; it may be a little premature to call this an overall Excellent work; but I'm confident that the rest of the book will not disappoint. The author uses reasonable and logical explanations for his arguments about the fallacy of central planning by government; politicians; and media. These 3 entities try so hard to fit the cause and solution of the nation's most complex problems into a simple mold. This book and reason show that chaotic systems such as human behavior and the economy cannot and should not be controlled. Trying to control them only results in more rules and laws; bad characterizations; and ultimately less freedom. Instead; let God-given liberty steer us on the right and proper course. Definitely recommend this book!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I felt that Chapter 37 was worth the price of the ebookBy Shane C. PruyneThree and half stars. This was good; but after the brilliance of "Boundaries of Order" I was disappointed. This is a vast collection of articles and essays; while there are moments of brilliance; it is largely repetitive. I know that we are told that we must hear things three times to remember; but after nine times or 18 times... it does get monotonous.I felt that Chapter 37 "Bring Back Discrimination" was worth the price of the ebook. So in that light; everything else was a bonus. I am not turned off Shaffer by any means; but I am very glad that I read "Boundaries of Order" before I tackled this.
