Antietam 1862: The Civil War's Bloodiest Day

Osprey Campaign #32

by Norman S. Stevens

Osprey's examination of the Battle of Antietam, which was one of the critical battles of the American Civil War (1861-1865). The fortunes of the South were riding high after the resounding victory at Second Manassas. While Bragg and Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, Lee's invasion of Maryland was intended to maintain the Southern offensive momentum and to win the recognition of the European powers. But his bold plan was compromised - and at the Antietam River the Army of Northern Virginia was fighting for its very life. This title examines the build-up to Hooker's attack, and details the famous clashes at Bloody Lane and Burnside Bridge.

Genres: American Civil War, Military History, History, Civil War, Nonfiction, Civil War Eastern Theater, Military Fiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 1994

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

McClellan attacked by corps en echelon, Lee countered with interior lines by division or even brigade in a naturally strong position, from the Sunken Lane trench to the hights overlooking Burnsside Bridge. Lee won & without pursuit crossed the river home into Virginia, without the expected popular support of "wavering" Maryland or Kentucky.

Just the facts. With an extensive battle order & a few good maps, that's all these 96 pages will fit.
Still, just what I needed beforeCrossroads of Freedom: Antietam: The Battle that Changed the Course of the Civil War by James M. McPherson this season.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another volume from Osprey Campaign series, dealing with the battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg during American Civil War. Format of this series and available space of about 90 pages is perfectly suited for a compact primer regarding set piece battles of this character. Literary content is adequate to the task and covers the initial situation, course of the engagement and its aftermath. As always when it comes to Osprey publications, the true strength of this little volume consists of excellent graphics material consisting of full color maps, contemporary photographs, lithography and modern color plates.

[Glyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the fine Osprey Campaign series.

The author goes into precise detail on the entire Maryland campaign. Describing the fighting, not merely at Antietam but the precursors at South Mountain & Compton Ridge, with equal clarity and providing potted biographies of all the divisional commanders/

Like all such volumes, there are sections on the background to the campaign, the commanders and here there are a fascinating mix to work with, from the talented but vacillatory McClellan, to the hard drinking and licentious "Fighting Joe" Hooker and the incompetent and truculent Burnside and that is only to mention the Union triumvirate. It offers a full breakdown of the armies and describes the particular problems faced at this early stage in the war where volunteer regiments still bridled at proper military discipline. It finishers with an overview of the situation at the end of 1862 and offers analysis as to who really were the winners and losers of this bloodiest day of the Civil War. Astonishingly, it is revealed that total losses on 17th April 1862 dwarved total American losses during the Mexican -American War of 1847-1848 by a considerable margin. Union losses alone were over 2,000 dead compared to 658 combat deaths against the Mexicans.

The work fits a lot into it's 90 pages and is an excellent introduction to both the campaign and teh American Civil War in general

[Gonzalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a great fan of this series of books, and I had been holding on start collecting those related to the ACW since we moved to Maryland. Now the door is open and I fear for my wallet...
For once, the Osprey Campaign is not my first foray into Antietam, which might have made me more critical of the volume, except that there is very little to criticize. To pick on one things, being one of the older volumes, there are no two-page illustrations of battle scenes. The hand drawn 3D maps of the Cornfield, Bloody Lane, and Burnsides' Bridge are nevertheless excellent. An only slightly more serious criticism is that Steven's considers "Landscape Turning Red" merely an "adequate addition" to some earlier book I have not read, and not the excellent volume I thought it to be. Maybe I need to read "The Gleam of Bayonets" That said, I had criticized Sear's treatment of South Mountain, and I do believe that considering the space limitations Stevens had, he did an excellent job.

[Lewis M · Rating 3 out of 5]

a brief primer in the traditional Osprey format. it provides a good overview of the Antietam campaign, and the battle itself. Steven Sears book is far longer and far more weighty on the matter, but in 95 pages Stevens has acquitted himself rather well.

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good overview of the 1862 Maryland campaign. Did notice a couple small mistakes. For example, Mr. Stevens wrote that McClellan exceeded his orders taking field command of the Army, while Stephen W. Sears said in his book that McClellan was given field command by Lincoln himself.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a historical book that break downs the story of the time, with historical maps and documents

[Kelly B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short history of the battle at Antietam. Not much detail but fine for a summary, which is what I was looking for. Very dry.