A Scythe of Fire: A Civil War Story of the Eighth Georgia Infantry Regiment

by Steven E. Woodworth, Warren Wilkinson

A gripping history of the Civil War through the eyes of the soldiers in one of its most legendary regiments--the Eighth Georgia Infantry--who fought on the forefront of the Civil War's most major battles. The Confederate soldiers of the 8th Georgia Regiment came from all walks of life. They included upstanding men like Melvin Dwinnel, a teacher and a publisher, as well as the likes of James Potter Williamson, whose listed occupation was "loafer." They met in Rome, Georgia, in May 1861, and became the first regiment to enlist for the duration of the hostilities--most others held together for a single season. United by a deep love for the land left behind and a fierce determination to fight for their homes and way of life, the men of the 8th persevered through brutal battles, miserable conditions, and dimming prospects of a Confederate victory. Using diaries, letters home to loved ones, and other historical documents, Steven E. Woodworth follows these brave men from the red clay of Georgia, through the Battle of Bull Run, to Maryland, into the bloody battle of Gettysburg, through Tennessee and the brutal Battle of Chickamauga, and finally to their ultimate defeat at Appomattox. Through every struggle, he reveals their motivations and sometimes painful decisions, telling a story of human hopes and fears and ultimately showing this most divisive war at its most personal.

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction, American Civil War, American History, Military History, Civil War History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Mark Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent regimental history, accomplishing the key task of the genre: making memorable characters out of the various soldiers through whose letters and memoirs the stories are told. The first-hand descriptions of combat are powerful. Succeeds in conveying the entire war experience of the men of the regiment, from early war fever to the bitter end at Appomattox.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for me but I am very biased and have a personal link to the Eighth GA. Inf. My Great(3) grandfather served as a private through most of the war. Although he wasn't mentioned by name, I felt as if I was reading his biography.

[Adelbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book! Well researched and written.
This is an excellent study of a Confederate regiment from the beginning of the war until the surrender at Appomattox.
The 8th Georgia was active throughout the "East" for the entire war; fighting from 1st Manassas, The Seven Days, Antietam, Fredericksburg, well you get the idea.
By the time of the surrender, the regiment had been reduced from its original 950+ to just over 100. Even though they had received replacements and draftees.
Recommended.

[Matthew Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best unit history I've personally ever read.

The stories that are included give this book a human feel to it. The book is comprised of accounts from diaries, journals, letters home, and hometown newspapers. Wilkinson does a great job of humanizing people like Berrien Zettler, and Melvin Dwinnell etc. The 8th fought almost all the big Eastern Battles, suffered horrific losses, and still hasn't lost the 8th Georgia banner to this day. Their account of failing to take the Wheatfield on day 2 at Gettysburg still gives me chills. The book wasn't necessarily an easy read given the historical information thrown at you, but it was easy to lose yourself in. Although it was not cover to cover action packed, there was hardly a lull in the pacing and action. I'd highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the Civil War and will likely read it again in the future.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good regimental history. One minor complaint about the book: there are no maps whatsoever in it. While I have books about the regiment's campaigns that I can check for maps, it wasn't always very convenient to be cross checking other books. Also, the section dealing with May 1864 to April 1865 seems a bit rushed, not going into as much detail as the preceding chapters. This is especially true for the Appomattox Campaign, which is covered in only two and a half pages and the period of April 2nd to 7th in a couple sentences.

[Benny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any history buff. Well researched and masterfully descriptive. Makes you feel as you were in the marching columns, lines of battle, trenches, and camps of these brave and gallant soldiers. I look forward to standing in the same places as them as I visit their fields of battle.

[Omar · Rating 4 out of 5]

a historical regimental account of Gen. Lee's regiment... gives an account of the southern soldier