Vicksburg 1863
by Winston Groom
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Book Summary Information
Author: Winston GroomEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Deckle Edge
Published: 2009-04-07
ISBN: 0307264254
Number of pages: 496
Publisher: Knopf
Book Reviews of Vicksburg 1863
Book Review: Don't Waste Your Money
Summary: 1 Stars
It doesn't take a genius for a professional writer to quickly discover there is a lucrative market in military history. It seems that every key tapper from journalists to novelists are taking a crack at military history or biography these days. After all, the author who penned the witty "Forrest Gump" should certainly be able to turn out an outstanding rendition of the 1863 Vicksburg Campaign, right? Wrong!
Not surprising, this author side-steps the true grit of historical craftsmanship: citing his sources in notes. He fluffs up descriptive passages of Vicksburg's historical figures, both military and civilian, but paints over battles and units in both blue and gray with a broad stroke. Just one example: the futile frontal assaults from May 19 - 22 as Grant's infantry attempted to storm Vicksburg's outer defenses are covered in a couple paragraphs with no mention of specific units on either side of the redoubts. The only noteworthy portion of the book is a brief bibliographic essay included at the end in which the author lists the essential Vicksburg canon by the likes of prominent scholars as Edwin C. Bearrs and Terrence J. Winschel.
For the uninitiated seeking a general over-view of the Vicksburg campaign, this book might suffice, but don't waste your money. Borrow it from the library, copy the bibliographic essay, then hunt down your choice of so much better works on Vicksburg. For the veteran Civil War aficionado, finishing this book will be a challenge. With a good study of Vicksburg surfacing so far and few between, I can't recall ever reading a bad book on Vicksburg. Well, there is a first time for everything.
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