First Battle of Manassas

by John J. Hennessy

Unmatched in its description of the battle's tactics and actual fighting.--Ethan Rafuse, author of McClellan's War On July 21, 1861, near a Virginia railroad junction twenty-five miles from Washington, DC, the Union and Confederate armies clashed in the first major battle of the Civil War. This revised edition of Hennessy's classic is the premier tactical account of First Manassas/Bull Run.

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

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

Reviews

[Brian Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptionally well done description of the first major engagement of the Civil War. It does help that I have visited the site and can picture the Stone House and Henry Hill House sites where much of the action took place. There are a number of clear maps to continue to monitor the progress of that day on July 21, 1861, and readers would do well to also deploy the various websites and maps online to enhance the experience.

Most important is that the ranger/author has a clear and evocative grasp of the details, and clarifies a few misconceptions and myths that emerged in the aftermath. It reads quickly and fluidly, and even leaves time to cover the aftermath, and a very clear autopsy on the reasons for success and failure on both sides. Highly recommended for those who are rookies to the details of this battle, are about to visit, or have visited before.

[Paul Womack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for an introduction to this battle and this volume has met my need quite well. It is, however, a sad story indeed, establishing as it did the paremeters of the war to follow. Having served with a medical unit in the gulf war, I found his observations about the treatment of the wounded most informative and a reminder that war is more that the battle but all the collateral matters. (A re-reading, but i have no recollection of a previous reading. That is a worrisome thing!)

[John Binhack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick but descriptive read of the First major battle of the Civil War. Detailed overview of the lead up, major players and events of the single day battle, as well as the feeling of confusion, unpreparedness, and folly felt by Union and Confederate forces (and members of the public who joined to get a glimpse of the battle that day) alike. This battle includes actions by now famous military figures such as PGT Beauregard, William Tecumseh Sherman and Stonewall Jackson and details many other forgotten and not as well known figures who had major influence in the battle. Also of interest and covered in detail in this book are 1) The Union Commands lack of quick decision making and logistical confusion in arriving to Manassas, The slow planning their attack and delays on advances mare on the battlefield early on July 21st allowed Confederates to accumulate more forces and turn the tide of the battle 2) preventing friendly fire (many units had confusing uniforms appearing to be the enemy, or brightly colored uniforms which made them easy targets..The New York Zouaves come to mind here and 3) unpreparedness of caring for wounded - both minor and critical injuries, 4) this battle being the most documented of civilians and federal power brokers in DC attending to get in on the action, believing this battle would lead to a quick route of the Confederate's. Whereas the Unions retreat led these public figures to be plugging up the main road back to DC, risking capture by pursuing Rebels. And 5) Lastly the thought that this battle would be a quick end to a problem that had been leading to this military engagement since the USAs founding. I think the folly and belief that this war would be over soon after the Battle of Manassas foreshadows how deeply impractical the public sentiment and major political power brokers feelings were at the time. Following the battle, no one expected that this war would go on for another 4 years.

[Billy Leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with a particular interest in statistics of the individual units involved. It was folly to think that I could find that kind of detailed information in a book that was barely over 200 pages. Nonetheless the story of the battle is well told with a particularly interesting narrative. However if you are looking for more in depth research it will probably require a read from a different source.

[Eric Burroughs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of the battle. Better than Rafuse’s book but not sure how I’d compare it to Longacre’s since it has been a while since I read it. Would have liked a little more discussion on the before and after of the campaign, but the battle was well done. Looking forward to his book on Second Bull Run.

[Tim Hunnicutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a year volunteering at Manassas National Battlefield Park, and this is the best account of the battle that was to be the "only" battle of the war. The Park Rangers also recommend it.

Mr. Hennessy will often do tours of the battlefield, so he has an intimate knowledge of the ground.

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and concise telling of the Battle of Manassas. It includes excellent analysis of why things happened the way they did and the overall impact of the battle on the north, south and the war.

[Robert Hinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow account of a very confusing battle. Lots of well done maps.

[Fort Marmot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid play by play of the battle. Good for those who get off on memorizing names of brigade commanders.

[Sandra Oldfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read, great maps and very thorough to read about this one battle. I bought it at the Manassas battlefield and it came highly recommended by the people in the shop there.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this so much I might re-read it.

[Billy Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book our author attempts to relay what actually happened on the battlefield that dreary day of July 21, 1861 in less than 200 pages. His narrative was first rate and worthy of an applause. However some of the statistical information that I was looking for was not to be found. Namely the strengths and the casualties of the individual regiments on the battlefield. The narrative itself was masterfully done and as a visitor to the battlefield I could visualize the places described as I read. Definitely worth reading on the strength of the narrative above all else. But if you desire a deeper read into the strengths, casualties and actions of some of the regiments involved, a reading from another source might be required.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an in depth analysis of the Battle of Bull Run aka Manassas, but provides you the gist of the battle and campaign. John Hennessy wrote an impressive book. I have read it a few times and found it to be engaging. Some history books are very dry, even for someone like myself who is passionate about the subject. This was readable and great for the casual history fan. The description of the battle is well done and Hennessy shows that losing Bull Run was actually beneficial for the North because they realized they needed a new strategy to defeat the Confederacy whereas the South continued with their belief they can whip a Yankee in battle any day. If you are starting reading about the Civil War, I suggest beginning here.

[Jeff Moffatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tight, compact history of the 1st Battle of Manassas. Hennessy does a very good job of explaining the battle in layman's terms, with a flavor of the heroics and confusion amongst the participating. Also, very good use of maps. Author concludes the book with an analysis of why the South won the battle, and its impact on the next four years of conflict. The definitive account to date.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding account of the American Civil War's first major battle. I could find little wrong with this book. The maps are well done and while I would have liked one or two more, the book does not suffer for their lack. Recommended.

[Phillip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly clear flowing narrative, but in serous need of additional maps. Less than one per chapter does not get it when one well diagrammed per page at minimum is needed to follow action.More pictures would have been nice as would reference pictures of how sites discribed appear today.

[Jeff Burket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written account of the first battle of manassas/bull run; focused primarily on tactical level events (with helpful maps), but also provides worthwhile insights into factors contributing to the outcome. Looking forward to reading more of his accounts.