Often cited as one of the most decisive campaigns in military history; the Seven Days Battles were the first campaign in which Robert E. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia—as well as the first in which Lee and Thomas “Stonewall†Jackson worked together. In this guidebook; the acknowledged expert on the Seven Days Battles conducts readers; tourists; and armchair travelers through the history and terrain of this pivotal series of Civil War battles.
#2352538 in Books Bison Books 2011-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.97 x .49 x 6.09l; .69 #File Name: 0803236263202 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Nice analysis of the Civil War in the WestBy Steven PetersonVery well written summary of the War in the "heartland." By this term; Woodworth means all the lands east of the Mississippi River whose waters emptied into the Gulf of Mexico. By definition; then; the Trans-Mississippi portion of the Confederacy is NOT included. The thesis is simple (Page xii): "Lee had done well in defending his sector of the Confederacy; but once the vast interior of the country had been swept by the Federals; his fate; and that of his army; were sealed."In short; Woodworth asserts that the Civil War was won by the Union because of its ability to control the "heartland." That said; this is a well written book. However; for those who know a good deal about the Civil War; this will not be overly satisfying. There is little actual description of key battles and maneuvers. For those who have an interest in the Civil War but who have not read a great deal; on the other hand; this will be a valuable entree.So; how you evaluate this book; I think; depends on where you stand in terms of familiarity with the conflict.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. A book that your library needsBy James W. DurneyThe field of Civil War history has few authors with the skill and knowledge of Steven E. Woodworth. His books are always well written; very readable; conveying an enormous amount of information in clear concise sentences. Having written extensively on the western theater; he is in an excellent choice to write an overview history. I am very happy to so that Professor Woodworth's book exceeds all of my expectations. This small book works on several levels. For a person new to the theater this is an introduction that builds a very firm foundation on which they can continue their studies. For the more experienced reader; this book will "pull it all together" placing each campaign in a complex ongoing war. For the experienced reader; this book is a very enjoyable review.In a small book; Woodworth packs a lot of information. All the major campaigns are covered with their contribution to the Union's victory. However; the sideshow campaigns get included showing their contribution or distractions to/from the main efforts. This means that Sturgis defeat at Brice's Crossroads is an embarrassment but keeps Forrest away from Sherman's supply lines. Politics are not ignored; from Halleck intriguing against Grant; Polk and Hardee against Bragg; Johnston against Davis and Hood against Johnston; the problems are well covered with the impact on the armies.This is one of the best small books I have found on the western theater; an enjoyable read and a valuable learning experience. The organization is logical and the grouping of events moves the story along. The treatment of both sides is uniformly fair with a concentration of military events. Very little is said about the deadlock in Virginia; except as to how it influences decisions in the area.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of Dr. Woodworth's BestBy SteveIts a shame books are no longer recognized for facts but instead of a social statement today. In this book Dr. Woodworth clearly describes the linchpin of the Western Theater during the early days of the Civil War and just how closely we as a nation barely survived.
