Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was a significant leader in the Confederate Army in the opening years of the American Civil War. In many respects, his death as a result of friendly-fire was a turning point in the conflict. His brilliance as a tactician is astounding, even to this day. At a time when forces under his command were dramatically malnourished, undersupplied, and outgunned, he repeatedly delivered decisive blows to the Union Army.

This biography is about as thorough as they come. The reader is treated in detail to the historical background of Jackson. In the vivid, and tragic, details of his life, we see him not as a legendary figure, but as a simple man. He was deeply religious and humble to a fault. He was drawn into the conflict of Civil War against his will, and watched the tranquil pre-war life that he knew in western Virginia crumble.

Jackson’s military prowess was a bit of a shock. His term of service in the United States Army in the early part of the 1800s was disappointing, to say the least. Yet, when handed the mantle of command, he transitioned into a superb military scientist. In engagement after engagement, he surprised, outmaneuvered, and obliterated his opponents on the field. He was daring, and at many times, reckless.

Biographer S.C. Gwynne went to great lengths to tell the story of Jackson’s life. Relying heavily on primary sources, the book is dense with historical records, the thoughts an opinions of those serving under and with Jackson, and copious references to his personal correspondence.

In addition to the personal detail, Gwynne describes the major engagements, including Jackson’s famous Shenandoah Valley Campaign, in gory detail. He details the armaments, tactics, casualties, daily life, and destruction that the War wrought on both the human body and settlements in Virginia and Maryland.

I take from this book a fundamental reality that is as true today as it was in 1861. In this country, we have built institutions and a political process through which we can effect change and govern ourselves. When those political processes are distorted and break down, conflict ensues. The American Civil War was a disastrous chapter in our National history. We must avoid the grisly fratricide that this political breakdown heralds.

Would I recommend: YES

ISBN: 978-1451673296