Decision in the West: The Atlanta Campaign of 1864 - Hardcover

Castel, Albert E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0700605622 ISBN 13: 9780700605620

Publisher: Univ Pr of Kansas, 1992

Synopsis

A detailed history of one of the most grisly episodes of the Civil War provides a balanced treatment of the North's invasion of Atlanta, debunking many long-standing myths and misconceptions of the battle.

About this title

About the Author

Albert Castel is widely recognized as one of our most respected historians of the Civil War. His Decision in the West: The Atlanta Campaign of 1864 won the prestigious Lincoln Prize and was named one of the 400 Most Notable Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review and one of the 100 Best Books on the Civil War by Civil War Magazine. He is also the author of General Sterling Price and the Civil War in the West, Civil War Kansas, and The Presidency of Andrew Johnson.

From the Back Cover

"One of the most important and original books on the Civil War published in the past decade. This book is richly detailed and massively researched. Its sharply revisionist interpretation of William T. Sherman is bound to arouse much controversy. All serious students of the Civil War will want to read it."--David Herbert Donald, author of Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War

"Almost everything in this book is new or in some way ground breaking. It will immediately become the standard study of the campaign. The research is impeccable. A magnificent effort."--William C. Davis, author of Jefferson Davis: The Man and His Hour and former editor of Civil War Times Illustrated

"This is the fullest and most intelligible study of the Atlanta campaign that we have or are likely ever to have. The writing is lively, the research exhaustive, the interpretations sometimes provocative but always perceptive. This is how military history should be written."--James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Era of the Civil War

"Military history at its best by one of America's leading historians of the Civil War. With dramatic flair and authentic detail in a fast-paced and suspenseful narrative, Castel brings the Atlanta campaign to life, penetrating the minds of the commanders as well as the thoughts of the common soldiers."--Robert W. Johannsen, author of Lincoln, the South, and Slavery: The Political Dimension

Reviews

Of the many Civil War titles published each year, very few stand heads taller than the rest. This is such a book. Exhaustively researched, richly detailed, and told in the present tense, it has brought to life all the participants, from private to general. Incorporating both primary and secondary sources, Castel ( The Presidency of Andrew Johnson , LJ 9/1/79) provides an objective perspective seldom equaled, giving full and balanced treatment to both Union and Confederate armies through the use of new accounts and analyses of major events. Along the way, he corrects many mistakes and dispels longstanding myths. In particular, he challenges the standard view of Sherman's performance. This is an important, original book that will immediately become the standard study of the campaign. Highly recommended for most libraries. History Book Club selection.
- David Lee Poremba, Detroit P.L.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Univ Pr of Kansas
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0700605622
• ISBN 13: 9780700605620
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 688