Antietam Shadows: Mystery, Myth & Machination

by Dennis E. Frye

A rip-roaring exposé that postulates history is the original "fake news"! In Antietam Shadows, Dennis E. Frye warns us to beware of history. A professional historian himself for the last forty years, Dennis has evolved from a youthful worshipper of history into a respected skeptic who has devoted his career to challenging historians, especially within the Civil War genre. Antietam Shadows is guaranteed to stimulate debate amongst Civil War buffs, as Dennis is renowned for blowing up what you know and turning you upside down and inside out. But Antietam Shadows isn't about strategy and tactics and bullets and shells. Antietam Shadows is the story of human nature—people facing dangerous dilemmas, selecting choices, making hard decisions, and living (or dying) with the consequences. The consequences within Antietam Shadows will determine the future of the United States.

282 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2018

About the author

Dennis E. Frye is the former Chief Historian at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and past president of a national battlefield preservation organization that is today's Civil War Preservation Trust. Dennis was raised only a few miles from Harper’s Ferry and Antietam, and he grew up in the shadow of South Mountain.

Dennis has written over 50 articles and four books on the war, his latest entitled "Antietam Revealed." He has served as a battlefield guide for National Geographic, the Smithsonian, major universities, and Civil War Round Tables across the country. He has appeared on the History Channel’s Civil War Journal and Ken Burn’s Civil War series. Dennis also worked as Associate Producer and historical consultant for the movie "Gods and Generals".

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Antietam Shadows—my first of Dennis’s books—and was thoroughly impressed. His investigative approach challenges accepted history with logical, well-supported insights and an engaging, conversational style. The book reshaped my view of Antietam and McClellan while offering sharp analysis of the political aftermath. A thoughtful, refreshing take on a pivotal moment in American history.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book about Antietam. It made me re- think some long held opinions on General McClellan's performance, which was refreshing. I enjoyed the author's writing style as well.

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. While demonstrating great historical research techniques, Frye takes the reader on many new twists and turns based in the Antietam Campaign. Great stuff!

[Bob Grove · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a history of the battle of Antietam plus a view to how to evaluate the history you read by using Antietam. The book is revisionist history and how both historians and history buffs should approach their reading and consider published materials about historical events. I loved the book not only for the topic, how well it was written but because it required me to think and evaluate how I would approach my future reading. Mr. Frye is a highly qualified historian as he has lived his entire life in this part of Maryland. He spent 30 plus years at the Harper Ferry National as an interpretive historical ranger and guide at the Antietam battlefield. I ordered the book from Harpers Ferry Park's bookstore, and I received a great price, and the proceeds go to support the park.

[Marc Brueggemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book debunks the myths surrounding the Battle of Antietam, the generals, mysteries surrounding it, as well as big secrets that nobody knows about. Dennis Frye shows his research into debunking the myths and opinions that were made up by historians of this battle as well as the Maryland Campaign of 1862. He also applies real life situations we experience in order to understanding the human nature of these generals and others who were involved in this battle to gain a better understanding of it. Really good book to add to your Civil War and Antietam library.