The Edge of Mosby’s Sword is the first scholarly volume to delve into the story of one of John Singleton Mosby’s most trusted and respected officers; Colonel William Henry Chapman. Presenting both military and personal perspectives of Chapman’s life; Gordon B. Bonan offers an in-depth understanding of a man transformed by the shattering of his nation. This painstakingly researched account exposes a soldier and patriot whose convictions compelled him to battle fiercely for Southern independence; whose quest for greatness soured when faced with the brutal realities of warfare; and who sought to heal his wounded nation when the guns of war were silenced. Born into a wealthy slave-owning family; Chapman was a student of the fiery secessionist rhetoric of antebellum Virginia who eagerly sought glory and adventure on the battlefields of the Civil War. Bonan traces Chapman’s evolution from an impassioned student at the University of Virginia to an experienced warrior and leader; providing new insight into the officer’s numerous military accomplishments. Explored here are Chapman’s previously overlooked endeavors as a student warrior; leader of the Dixie Artillery; and as second-in-command to Mosby; including his participation in the capture of Harpers Ferry; the battering of Union forces at Second Manassas; and his ferocious raids during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign. Bonan reveals fresh perspectives on the intrepid maneuvers of Mosby’s Rangers; the hardships of war; and Chapman’s crucial role as the right hand of the “Gray Ghost.†But while Mosby recognized him for his bravery and daring; the fame Chapman sought always eluded him. Instead; with his honors and successes came disillusionment and sorrow; as he watched comrades and civilians alike succumb to the terrible toll of the war. The end of the struggle between North and South saw Chapman accept defeat with dignity; leading the Rangers to their official surrender and parole at Winchester. With the horrors of the war behind him; he quickly moved to embrace the rebuilding of his country; joining the Republican party and beginning a forty-two-year career at the IRS enforcing Federal law throughout the South. In the end; Chapman’s life is a study in contradictions: nationalism and reconciliation; slavery and liberty; vengeance and chivalry.
#2145293 in Books 1998-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.01 x .47 x 5.40l; .36 #File Name: 0809138387128 pages
Review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Definitive scholarly conclusions? ... Noooo; not quite yet!By ElizabethThis book lets you know about the biases of many scholars who wish to revise the biblical account or reconcile it with modern methods of doing archaeology and "biblical studies." However the scholars are far from being 'decided' about the issue. In fact this author admits that although the evidence suggests a mixed background rather than a single model; the question of Israel's origins is still open and awaits new discoveries about the ancient world. The author attempts to move beyond the 3 competing theories on Israelite beginnings (1) conquest; (2) peaceful infiltration; and (3) social revolution by surveying the textual as well as the archaeological evidence and finds the latter insufficient to draw any definitive conclusions. This is likely to remain the status quo for quite a while... unless some one comes up with a full-proof method to reinvent the past better than the best textual records handed down.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. I Really *Like* This BookBy Virgil BrownI really *like* this book. In 92 short (5x8) pages; McDermott introduces one to the key sources; the key scholars who are writing about the formation of ancient Israel; and the key arguments written by these scholars.One meets the Amarna letters; the Shashu; the Merneptah Stela; and the Ugaritic texts. One also meets Herzov; Halpern; Ahlstrom; Redford; and others. McDermott puts forward the key arguments of these scholars. For example both Redford and Halpern argue that Israel came into Canaan from outside. Then McDermott points out the shortcomings of these arguments.What are they saying about the formation of Israel? This is it in a nutshell.
