That Furious Struggle: Chancellorsville and the High Tide of the Confederacy, May 1-4, 1863

Emerging Civil War

by Chris Mackowski, Kristopher D. White

Authors Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White have worked for years to compile this remarkable story of one of the war's greatest battles. escribes the series of controversial events that define this crucial battle, including General Robert E. Lee's radical decision to divide his small army--a violation of basic military rules--sending Stonewall Jackson on his famous march around the Union army flank. Jackson's death--accidentally shot by one of his own soldiers--is one of the many fascinating stories included in this definitive account of the battle of Chancellorsville."That Furious Chancellorsville" can be enjoyed in the comfort of one’s living room or as a guide on the battlefield itself. It is also the tenth release in the bestselling “Emerging Civil War Series,” which offers compelling and easy-to-read overviews of some of the Civil War’s most important battles and issues, supported by the popular blog of the same name.

Genres: History, Civil War, Civil War Eastern Theater, American Civil War

503 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2014

Reviews

[George Kasnic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying book in this series by this publisher. I was a bit concerned at the start that this might be a Stonewall Jackson “worship” piece which would be out of character for this series. It is not that. (I have read extensively on Jackson and the Lost Cause mythology, and his timely demise, have made him more of a factor than he actually was. He was a brilliant taskmaster who used his troops’ loyalty to get the most out of them. He was also erratic, just as likely to spend a battle sighting an artillery battery or dithering, as in driving by an attack home. He got himself killed doing the job of a junior officer, reconnoitering between combatant positions at night. His incantation left his troops exposed and vulnerable at Chancellorsville. But, I digress.)

The book covers the campaign and maneuvering. It gives us the right level of tactical, operational, and strategic background. I would have much rather heard more about the Union units and soldiers- as is normal in this series - so we read more about the Confederates than is normal.

An excellent book.

[Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide for visiting the battlefield. The book combines a driving tour with a narrative of events that occurred at each stop on the tour. Driving directions are very clear and detailed. The narratives describe events from the perspective of where you will be standing at each tour stop. Narratives are crisp and succinct so that you won't spend all of your time on the tour reading. I visited Chancellorsville about a decade ago. I will be sure to have this book along on my next visit.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

First one of this type/series I have read and it was a good read. Very informative without boring one to death with too many details as you are stepped through the battle. Easy to read and understand directions on how to get from place to place as well if you are actually visiting the battlefield.

[W Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in this series.