The Scouts of Stonewall: The Story of the Great Valley Campaign

The Civil War #3

by Joseph Alexander Altsheler

The Scouts of Stonewall: The Story of the Great Valley Campaign

Genres: Civil War, Historical Fiction, War, Historical, American Civil War

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

Joseph Alexander Altsheler was an American newspaper reporter, editor and author of popular juvenile historical fiction. He was a prolific writer, and produced fifty-one novels and at least fifty-three short stories. Thirty-two of his novels were part of his seven series:

The Civil War Series (8 volumes)
The French and Indian War Series (6 volumes)
The Gold Series (2 volumes)
The Great West Series (2 volumes)
The Texan Series (3 volumes)
The World War Series (3 volumes)
The Young Trailers Series (8 volumes)

Although each of the thirty-two novels constitutes an independent story, Altsheler suggested a reading order for each series (i.e., he numbered the volumes). The remaining nineteen novels can be read in any order. [Note, however, that A Knight of Philadelphia was later expanded through the addition of nineteen chapters and some minor tweaks to become Mr. Altsheler's novel In Hostile Red.]

The short stories, of course, can be read in any order. However, some readers might prefer to read them in the order in which they were published. The short story list below is displayed in chronological order with the publication dates shown alongside the titles.

Reviews

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even as an adult this was a fun read, despite being, like most adolescent books of this genre, decidedly formulaic. Sadly it, too, serves to inculcate boys with the notion that honor and glory is to be found readily in war. In the case of this book, just in time for the next one (WWI).

The formula is quite simple. Take a series of actual dates and battles, throw in a boy too young to enlist, then have him accomplish a daring feat during, or between, battles. Use the brave venture to bring him into contact with a famous man in the war, who then finds him indispensable and sings his praises throughout the rest of the story to other famous men they meet. Do all this while making sure he escapes harm, but have a horse or two shot out from under him so as to convey a real sense of excitement and danger.

Throughout the story, maintain the "War is Glorious" trope by employing frequent euphemisms like "sanguinary battle," refer often to death as "swift and sudden," and let the reader know young men are too "buoyant" to think much about "it" (blood, guts, and carnage), anyway.

This book was published in 1914. Apologies to George Washington, but not always is it the lack of free speech by which, dumb and silent, we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter. Men freely offering their sentiments on a matter, can often do so as well.

[Adhoc · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you can get by the adoration of stonewall ,the glorification of war, the repetitiveness (Hector st Hilaire for instance) and that the book is about good old boys fighting to preserve slavery then its a decent read

[Anne Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not exactly sure what motivated me to give this book 5 stars. Maybe it was the brilliant portrayal of Stonewall Jackson that reminded me so much of his portrayal in the movie Gods and Generals. Maybe it was the way of the young Lieutenant Harry Kenton who would jump up from an hour’s rest after a hard fought battle at the sound of the famous general’s voice, his eyes alight with expectation and eagerness for what the genius general had in store for them next. Whatever it was, this book had RESONANCE for me, evoking images of the many civil war histories I have read, memories of relatives and folk long gone, and emotions associated with winning and losing that I have felt before.
This is the third volume in this Civil War series and the best I have read so far by a long shot.

[CJ Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The language was very flowery. The book most of the time described battle scenarios and what was happening in the war. The characters surrounding the protagonist seemed more interesting than the main character himself. It wasn't the most thrilling book but it was a decent read and a good book for if you are studying the civil war.

[Monte Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for young teenagers and is part of a series of books that tell the story of the American Civil War via historical fiction. I read this entire series when I was about 12-13 years old. I have never forgotten them as they laid the basis for a life-long interest in the Civil War. The books are easily read and do give a very accurate representation of the actual events in the war. I have now read this book again with a great deal more knowledge on the war and could find very little that I could change as to its accuracy. It is a little over the top as to its perfect characters who live a flawless life, but this is probably not much different than what any young person's book would be. I heartily recommend this book and the entire series for anyone young person who wishes to get a good background on the war.

[CATHERINE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of the American civil war told from the southern side. To be honest I just didn't see the appeal of Stonewall Jackson he was described as a military genius who inspired tremendous loyalty amongst his troops but he came across as arrogrant, uncaring and demanding of his men. Not allowed food or sleep, forced to marchfor days on end I didn't see the appeal.

[David Vanness · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy is by Amereon House with 352 pages. This edition was limited to 300 copies. Acquired at Goshen Library Friends Booksale.
Finished today & am looking forward to Altsheler's other works. I have at least one.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good fairly accurate account of the Valley campaign of Stonewall Jackson.

The accounts of the battles were well researched and nearrated. The names of the senior officers were correct. The young officers were added for the story.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series about one Southern soldier who is followed throughout the Civil War. I have read two books from this series so far and find them to be action packed and well written

[Cindy DeLong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting for the most part. I found the battle descriptions boring. Seemed to end abruptly.