About the Author:
Phillip Thomas Tucker, Ph.D., has authored or edited more than 40 books on various aspects of the American experience, especially in the fields of Civil War, Irish, African-American, Revolutionary, and Southern history. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he has earned three degrees in American history, including a Ph.D. from St. Louis University in 1990. In 1993 his biography of Father John B. Bannon won the Douglas Southall Freeman Award for the best book in Southern history. For more than two decades, Dr. Tucker has been a military historian for the U.S. Air Force. He currently lives in the Washington, DC area.
Review:
Though long overshadowed by the more famous Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Charge of July 3, the advance of Barksdale's men from Seminary Ridge, through the Peach Orchard, and across Plum Run toward Cemetery Ridge has been referred to as "the grandest charge ever seen by mortal man." Here for the first time is the story of Barksdale's Mississippians and their gallant charge told with the detail and passion it so richly deserves. Phil Tucker has produced a wonderful addition to the library of the most discerning Gettysburg collector." (Terrence Winschel, Historian (retired), Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi)
"While Pickett’s Charge, on day three of Gettysburg, has received numerous book-length treatments and become a phrase for the ages, Barksdale’s charge the day before has not. Gen. William Barksdale, former secessionist U.S. Congressman, was in command of four Mississippi regiments in Lt. Gen. James Longstreet’s corps, directed to attack from the woods, wheel northward, and break the Union lines. Barksdale got the go-ahead to charge as dusk approached. On his horse driving his troops onward, he seemed to have the Federals on the run. It was this moment, says Tucker quite reasonably, that was really the high-water mark for the Confederacy rather than Pickett’s Charge the next day. Had Barksdale paused to regroup and then charge again, perhaps, perhaps.... But he spurred his troops on, was mortally wounded, and the Union forces were able to hold on to fight another day. Tucker sets his narrative within the context of the battles and personalities leading up to that day’s near victory for the Confederacy."— (Library Journal)
"Thanks to Tucker’s incisive analysis of the facts surrounding Gettysburg, Barksdale’s Mississippians will now stand tall, claiming from Pickett’s Virginians long-deserved recognition for having achieved the Confederacy’s true zenith. Presenting an exhilarating narrative based on rigorous re-interpretation of historical sources, scholars and lay readers will soon recognize the Southern nation’s high water mark as the second day at Gettysburg." (Darryl E. Brock, co-author of Cubans in the Confederacy)
“The author of the acclaimed Exodus from the Alamo does more “mythbusting” in this superbly argued book. “ (Armchair General)
“...thoroughly researched..., analysis of the attack by Brigadier General William Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade against Union forces in the Peach Orchard on the afternoon of July 2 presents substantial evidence for his claim that Barksdale's attack "came closer to achieving decisive success and winning it all for the Confederacy than any other assault of the battle."... takes a detailed look at an event in a battle about which so much has been written.” (Gordon Berg, The Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia)
“Wonderful writing with splendid pacing propels the author’s vivid account of Barksdale’s charge and the precise moment t he confederate case reached its apex on the day that truly decided the state of the Union and the fate of the nation” (Toy Solder & Model Figure)
"..a well researched, very readable book..an enjoyable read. The history of the Mississippi brigade and its contributions is worth the purchase price. I think the historians have already decided Pickett charge was more important than Barksdale’s, but it made me reevaluate" (Kepler’s Military History)
"Phillip Tucker's well-researched book provides a breathless account of what one Union officer called 'the grandest charge ever seen by mortal man.' . . . Some 1,600 men raced across Emmitsburg Road and into the Peach Orchard, assaulted the salient created by Sickles' move forward, and drove Union forces back more than a mile. . . . But the complete breach of Maj. Gen. George Meade's left-center, and an unobstructed path to Cemetery Ridge, was not to be." (Civil War Times)
"Launched from Seminary Ridge in the late afternoon as part of Longstreet's assault, Barksdale's brigade, with Barksdale himself riding at the head, overran the Sherfy farm and the Peach Orchard, captured the Trostle farm, and very nearly broke through the wreckage of the 3rd Corps to the Taneytown Road. In that event, the Army of the Potomac might have had little option but retreat. . . .
Barksdale, frantic at how near he was to a complete breakthrough, was cut down by Union bullets. . . . Phillip Thomas Tucker takes up Barksdale's cause with a vigor that would certainly have won the old fire-eater's approval." (Alan C. Guelzo, author of the New York Times bestseller Gettysburg: The Last Invasion, in "Civil War News")
"This is a superb book covering the charge that was made by Barksdale’s Mississippians on July 2nd, 1863. This is a “must have” book for your Confederate library." (Lone Star Book Review)
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