Rarely does a new study of such well-plowed ground as the American Civil War create so much interest and have such a stunning effect on the literature as this fascinating account of the Union's long-delayed naval assault on Fort Fisher. Based on exhaustive primary source research; this is the first full history―from a naval perspective―of the fort on North Carolina's Cape Fear River and its little-known significance as both the Achilles' heel of the Union blockade and the lifeline of the Confederacy. It challenges many hoary; hidebound perceptions.While other accounts have concentrated on the Union army's land assault; Robinson weaves together firsthand reports from previously untapped sources to definitively establish how the maze of earthworks; bomb shelters; and gun emplacements protecting Wilmington developed without opposition and enabled Confederate blockade runners to defy the Union navy for more than two years; allowing matériel to flow to Robert E. Lee's forces on the Virginia front. Traditional explanations for the Union's inaction and the sacking of Adm. Samuel Lee are vigorously disputed with often embarrassing new findings. In a breathtaking; minute-by-minute description of the heaviest naval bombardment and greatest amphibious assault the world had ever seen; Robinson offers new evidence that vindicates the two thousand ill-equipped and poorly trained sailors and marines who for more than 130 years have been unjustly blamed for the failure of their terrible; grisly assault across a mile of open beach.Unrivaled in its scope; research; and readability; this important new contribution to Civil War history demands attention not only for its heretical new information about this nearly forgotten battle; but also for its disconcerting revelations of political mistakes and shenanigans that lengthened the war and a divided nation's suffering.
#707365 in Books William Morrow n Co 1990-07Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x 6.40 x 1.70l; #File Name: 1557100349667 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A thorough picture of Benedict ArnoldBy Daniel PutmanThis heavily detailed biography has some real strengths. It introduces the reader to sides of Benedict Arnold that one never will get from the standard stereotype of him. For me it also showed me parts of the Revolution I was unfamiliar with. Randall goes into detail on the Battle of Quebec; the battles on Lake Champlain around Valcour Island; and the critically important Battle of Saratoga. In all of them Arnold played a vital role for the Americans. These battles are often mentioned in other histories of the Revolution but rarely will you get the details presented here for all of them. I also got a good sense of the economic; social and military factors that led to Arnold’s betrayal. I think most readers will wonder what the psychological state of Arnold was. Even though he was an excellent military leader; he constantly had other people promoted over him. His soldiers loved him while many of his colleagues could not stand him. It is impossible for a historian to delve into the psychological issues of a person who lived over 200 years ago but the reader will wonder what happened with Arnold. Randall does as good a job as can be done from this distance in history.The problems with this book have been noted by some other reviewers. Randall often introduces characters who are not mentioned earlier or marginally mentioned and he does so with virtually no background for the reader. Sometimes in this book the details overwhelmed the writer. The book could also have used better editing. The most glaring example for me was in the center of the book where the images of people involved with Arnold are given. There are three sculptured casts of the men who captured John Andre whose capture was the key to discovering Arnold’s treason. But the description says the images are the “casts taken from the living heads of Arnold’s captors…†Arnold was never captured. This sort of thing can make the reader wonder about the accuracy of other references that the reader has no other information about.This issue aside; Randall’s biography will give the reader information about critical battles in the Revolution they may be unfamiliar with and it gives as thorough a picture of Benedict Arnold as a contemporary historian can give without jumping into speculation. It also shows clearly how a few changes in timing may have resulted in Canada being part of the U.S. and how close the British were to not only taking West Point but capturing Washington; Hamilton; Lafayette and many others in one coordinated action. Our history has had a good deal of luck in it and Randall clearly shows that. Overall I recommend the book for a thorough study of one of the most intriguing characters of the Revolution.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A misunderstood manBy Robert G. LeroeWe know from our history books that Arnold was a traitor; but I think few know why. What led him to turn? The answers are complex; and you may find yourself feeling sympathetic towards this much-maligned man. I read this as part of a reading group; and the consensus was that Arnold was betrayed by his own countrymen; perhaps out of resentment for his wealth and leadership abilities. History would have been different if only loyalty had been a two-way street. I had to ask myself what I might have done in his shoes. I'm surprised Arnold did not just resign and return to his personal business; but like many; he thought a British victory was inevitable. That's an over-simplification. Read the book; which is very well-written and engaging.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Best book on Benedict ArnoldBy mike6This is the best and most detailed recent bio of Benedict Arnold available. It is a monumental work; well written; and absorbing to the final page.Arnold lived an incredible life; and despite his treason; we can still admire his military skill. He was easily one of the best fighting generals we had in the Revolution. His injuries crippled him; and a new wife and a taste for luxury set him on a tragic course with history.An excellent book; and you learn every side of this complicated man.
