audiobook To the Gates of Atlanta: From Kennesaw Mountain to Peach Tree Creek; 1-19 July 1864 by Robert D. Jenkins Sr. in History

Review

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed the book and recommend for the following reasonsBy michael N.I enjoyed the book and recommend for the following reasons: First and foremost; the book is an unbiased account giving equal time to both sides and their principal characters. Second; the book is very well written and the mis-spellings mentioned previously are because of the soldiers letters not being edited. Third; the book stays on the main theme and doesn't go off on tangents.The maps could be much better though as this is a campaign that needs them badly. In addition; the maps should be placed at pertinent point of the story and not in the beginning of the book. I would recommend this book but I would also look for the book 'Campaign For Atlanta' by Scaife as his maps are phenomenal.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Book VendorBy CustomerThis is from a very good author. The vendor was great and it arrived in a timely manner. I look forward to reading it.22 of 27 people found the following review helpful. Opens Wide the GatesBy Amanda WarrenHow glad I am that the Civil War reading community has in its midst researcher and author Robert D. Jenkins; Sr.--and I purposely list the categories in that order; for now that we know him better through this second book; it is apparent that Jenkins's first gift is research. He stands in a rarefied class of pure researchers who do it for the sheer joy of uncovering facts and figures; anecdotes and analysis; esoterica and minutiae to delight and enlighten us insatiable readers. It is a gift; like those people who have a knack for finding treasures at garage sales!Jenkins will not confine you to generalities. If ten men remained in a position while their regiment was ordered onward; we learn it from him. He explains things from multiple angles and viewpoints; for example; I finally understand the particularities of what has been only vaguely alluded to by others: how; exactly; Minty's brigade fired their Spencers "underwater" while crossing the Chattahoochee River!But as soon as you might conclude that this book amounts to no more than a compendium of facts; Jenkins launches into a profound probe of a 19th century paradigm shift in the army--in fact; throughout American culture: the demise of honor; consideration; refined sensibilities and verities (often associated with; but not limited to; the "Old South") in favor of hard war; competitive dominance; and plainspokenness. (I am not doing his concept justice--just read it.)The greatest contribution this book offers is its detailed treatment of the Battle of Moore's Mill which; as Jenkins notes; has been "all but lost from history." If it once was lost; then now is found: he weaves a thorough; poignant account. I feel that he shortchanged the fight at Ruff's Mill somewhat by not clearly delineating it; the narrative ran it together with other maneuvering and skirmishing of that busy day--and perhaps that is an accurate depiction. Also; I would have liked even more time spent on the Shoupades as they hold a fascination for me personally. He included a precious first-person account of Cleburne's "studying" the design and once its "scheme flashed" on him; teaching his men how they worked.Jenkins thoroughly examines the events and issues surrounding the removal of General Johnston. A reviewer of Jenkins's first book on the Battle of Peach Tree Creek who complained that he devoted insufficient time to an analysis of General Hood will get what he asked for here. At first; and for the most part; I appreciated Jenkins's resisting the current bullying on that touchy subject. The lawyer in him came out with his conclusion that "the great weight of the available" evidence proves the Army of Tennessee's "tremendous faith in Joe Johnston;" contrary to what some would have us believe. And he sets forth a telling contrast of casualties under Hood and Johnston. But then; over the course of eight solid pages; he suddenly diverts into a restatement; point-by-point; of the current Hood dogma. It is a monotonous sermon that we have now heard repeatedly and does not add to nor flow with the book. It would be fine if he took some of the points and wove them in with his more complex; nuanced approach; instead; that section does not ring true either in tone or content--and it detracts from his pure; from-the-heart; researcher innocence. (I'm probably going to catch it now.)I thoroughly recommend this book for the significant truth that it reveals: the Civil War was far more than a series of major battles. Often; the most interesting aspects of it are found in movements and countermovements; less significant engagements; and in drawing lines between points A and B. "To the Gates of Atlanta" fills in several of those lines for us and reminds us that many soldiers fought and fell along roadsides and creek banks and earth works obscured by woodsy patches now in city and suburban neighborhoods. Robert Jenkins brings these men back to life for us to contemplate their stories and their sacrifice.