Civil War buffs; be warned: Webb Garrison’s Curiosities of the Civil War may catch you off guard. Packed with obscurities and bizarre anecdotes; it spills over with specifics you’ve likely never heard. Debated; reenacted; and analyzed; the Civil War has been the subject of countless books; films; and scholarly research—many of them quite repetitious. This nuanced perspective on the war provides a glimpse beyond the bloody battles; casualties; and political conflict. You'll discover: The first sitting president to be exposed to enemy fire What badgers; pigeons; and bear cubs had in common during the war Which of Stonewall Jackson’s limbs received its own proper burial The turtle-shaped ship designed to douse its opponents with boiling water Which Confederate general was responsible for introducing camels to the Southwest This cache of peculiar characters and stories will deepen your understanding of the war and the people who engaged in it.
#1137366 in Books 2014-11-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x 1.00l; .0 #File Name: 1594162123225 pages
Review
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. But this book is one of the best books I've read regarding the American Revolutionary WarBy SamI do not usually write reviews. But this book is one of the best books I've read regarding the American Revolutionary War. First; the biography of William Washington is one of the most interesting biographies I've read. Washington led an exciting life during the American Revolutionary war. And the author writes Washington's story in such a way that it's a page turner. You don't want to stop reading. Researched very well by the author; who lists his sources and provides many quotes. But this book covers more than just William Washington's biography. This book explains- so anyone can understand- the use and make up of the cavalry. It also explains in detail battles that Washington participated in; with the most coverage of the battles in the southern campaign; especially the Battle of Eutaw Springs. The author writes in a way that you can imagine each part of the battle and what both the Patriots and the British experienced and why they made the choices they did during the various battles. As you read; you feel as if you are there; experiencing what the soldiers experienced. Incredible writing by this author with good solid research. There are many quotes that tie into the action of the battles and regarding the personalities of Washington and his contemporaries.This book is slammed pack with facts that I have not read in other books including such details as the speed of cavalry horses charging and the various theories of why Lee's men did not charge when ordered during the battle of Eutaw Springs. The author also discusses the differences in Colonels Lightfoot Harry Lee and William Washington regarding their leadership of the cavalry and their personalities. And what these colonials thought of each other. This author makes history come alive. This is an incredible telling of real facts from Washington sneaking past British sentries to court the daughter of a plantation owner to the battles which had men lying flat on the ground to avoid being sliced by the sword. The author is an outstanding writer that makes every chapter a pleasure to read. I have read many books on the American revolutionary war. For myself I would rate it as one of the top 5 that I've read. The reason I'm writing this review is I am very glad that I didn't miss reading this book. I am not a historian but enjoy learning about American revolutionary history. And this book was a great teacher. From all the facts presented; I learned a lot! And learned from a very enjoyable read.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent biographyBy T. FloydGiven the dearth of primary sources; Daniel Murphy's story of William Washington is an entertaining depiction of one of the great cavalry officers of all time. A must read for those interested in the Revolutionary War; especially the Southern Campaign.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great history readBy lady stirlingGreat History; Fast paced for a historical biography
