Sherman, fighting prophet,

by Lloyd Lewis

Illustrated with reproductions of maps, engravings and photographs

Genres: Biography, Civil War, History, Nonfiction

690 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Lloyd Downs Lewis was a journalist, historian, and major figure in a remarkable world of arts and letters that flourished in Chicago following World War I.

Encyclopedia of Chicago

Reviews

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to find the right words in the appropriate order to describe how sublime this book truly is. History interest aside, though I'm sure it would help since it is quite long, I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. Lloyd Lewis is a master of language. From the organization of events to the metaphors and choice of words this book is flawless. He sets up themes and key phrases and knows exactly when to use them to the best effect. Once such example being his ability to decide which name to use to best illuminate the portion of a person's character in any given situation.
These are all bold claims, I'm aware, but for myself this read comes at the tail end of months of reading on this subject and when I turned the final page I was as emotionally awestruck as it is possible for a person to be. It shouldn't be a surprise when a biography ends with the death of the main character, more so when you've read multiple other accounts, but Lewis doesn't let you off that easily.
The other reviewer claimed that after 700 pages the author was still at a loss about his subject but I couldn't disagree more. I think for the most part he leaves it to the readers to decide for themselves. Instead of writing about Sherman as a puzzle who needs solving he approaches from the angle of searching out greatness and looking for/at the small details which go towards making it.
As for the history I have practically nothing to say. I noticed no glaring errors and from the bibliography can tell that it was extensively researched. Sherman is not a man you have to make inferences or deductions about, lack of historical material is certainly not a problem for the Lloyd Lewises of the world. All in all a fabulous read.

[Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

An oddly mediocre biography, casual in its voice and lax in its objectivity

[Jeanette Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just... wow. I am an avid Civil War buff. The American Civil War has been my passion since I first found Gone With the Wind in 7th grade. I've read Shelby Foote's epic series, I've read Grant's autobiography.... NO BOOK I've ever read on the Civil War has been as insightful as this one. Lewis has connected dots I've never seen connected before. His knowledge base is thorough; not just describing the battles and the personalities involved. He explains a society. Well, two societies set on a collision course. And he does it with almost a poetic touch to his descriptions of what people were thinking and feeling as events unfolded in front of them.

I cannot recommend this book too highly.

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four outstanding writers of Civil War history in the mid-twentieth century were Douglas Southall Freeman, Bruce Catton, Lloyd Lewis, and Shelby Foote. The first three were in the profession of journalism and Foote was a novelist. Only Freeman had a degree in history. Perhaps it was this connection with writing that makes their works such a pleasure to read; if not truly objective, their stories help one warm to their subjects. Lewis begins his tale in early Ohio and with Thomas Ewing, who adopted Sherman after his father’s death left the widow incapable of supporting her large family. It was the Federal government which asserted its supremacy over state governments in the opening of the Old Northwest and Ewing was certainly aware and appreciative of this, which he in turn passed on to Sherman. This is a principle, the supremacy of Federal law, that runs throughout Sherman’s life as Lewis sees it.
The majority of the book deals with Sherman’s Civil War career, the source of his fame. His post-war career is too briefly covered, in my opinion (but it is a sizeable book, after all). We don’t get much of a telling of the battles in which he commanded other than his actions at Shiloh, which made him. Throughout the book, we follow his pet XV Corps and read of the corps and the Army of the Tennessee through vignettes of its soldiers. The language throughout is romantic: “Up sticky saffron bluffs he led his regiments.” As cunning as an Indian tracker, Sherman read Johnston’s mind in the dust.” “From a hill Sherman stared at the Confederate defenses….”
One thing the book didn’t do for me was answer the “so what” question. He makes his marches, and we read of the praise they get, but I didn’t learn of their effect on the entire Confederacy. General Thomas, that stalwart warrior, comes off as slow and a bit stodgy. We don’t learn in sufficient detail of what he was doing or achieving before the war to make him so desirable to hire (of course, being unknown, that information may not have been recorded); he didn’t see combat action in the Mexican War. He is the "fighting prophet"--of what? Just of the South's defeat?
Overall, a good read in praise of its subject, and, for the really curious, a good start.

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

700 pages and you come to the conclusion that the author much like everyone else really doesn't know what to make of Sherman. He loved the South but burned large chunks of it down. He believed in the rule of law and then circumvented it whenever it was convenient. He would have been more comfortable in a monarchy than a democracy but gave all he had to the fledgling democracy that was the USA. A fascinating man and a fascinating book that adds a new question for everyone it answers.

[Nancy]

Engaging, eye opening account of the life of William Tecumseh Sherman. I highly recommend this book to all who love American History.