The Stonewall Brigade in the Civil War (Spearhead) - Tapa blanda

The 1st Brigade, Virginia Volunteers - the Stonewall Brigade - is arguably the most famous unit the CSA fielded in the Civil War. Officially formed on 27 April 1861, the unit, initially led by T. J. Jackson, forged a combat reputation second to none. The history of this illustrious unit is the subject of Patrick Hook and Steve Smith's THE STONEWALL BRIGADE IN THE CIVIL WAR, a recent 'Spearhead' series book from Zenith Press. The 1st Brigade and its commander won immortality barely three months after the unit was formed, both winning the 'Stonewall' moniker by playing a vital role in the First Battle of Bull Run. Under Jackson and subsequent commanders such as Richard Garnett, Charles Winder and Elisha Paxton, the unit saw hard combat in the 1863 Valley Campaign, Second Bull Bull, Antietam, Gettysburg, etc. Yet the reputation the Brigade won came at a terrible cost. The unit was all but destroyed at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (8-20 May 1864), barely 200 men being left alive. Merged with several other chewed-up brigades, the survivors fought on to the bitter end. Hook and Smith devote 102 of the book's 128 pages to telling the Stonewall Brigade's history. Brief sections then follow on equipment, commanders, assessment and a bibliography. The text is illustrated with dozens of b&w and color photographs, maps, charts and artwork. Reading THE STONEWALL BRIGADE IN THE CIVIL WAR brings with it mixed emotions. While the Brigade's battle exploits cannot help but impress, it's saddening to read of the horrendous losses it suffered. Of the 6,000+ men who served in the Stonewall Brigade during the Civil War, 210 remained at war's end. Though not exhaustive, THE STONEWALL BRIGADE IN THE CIVIL WAR is an interesting, informative and well-illustrated history. All Civil War buffs will want to add this excellent 'Spearhead' volume to their collection. Recommended. --Wordsmith

This book covers the history of the most famous unit in the American Civil War. From pre-war colonial militias to the first enthusiastic volunteers through to the near destruction of the brigade at Spotsylvania Court House and beyond. This book also charts the many changes in commanders and fighting men through this turbulent four years. Obviously the main thrust of the book is the Stonewall Brigade, but it does not get bogged down in it. The reader is carried through each campaign at a good pace with 9 maps and many more contemporary photographs and illustrations. Also included are photos of American re-enactors doing a Stonewall Brigade impression at events in the States. This book does includes large sections on Jackson as his personality and drive places the brigade in the centre of many of the Confederacy's greatest victories. Even after Jackson moved onto higher command he maintained a strong influence over 'his' brigade. In the 'Equipment and Weapons' chapter there is a reasonable amount of detail about what the average Stonewaller would have worn and carried, but it is written with the general public in mind rather than re-enactors looking for detailed reference material. All in all I think this is a great introduction to this unit and the reference section gives you the opportunity, through further reading in books, periodicals and the internet, to delve even deeper into the history and characters of the most famous brigade in the Civil War. --American Civil War Association UK,November, 2009