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A Fierce Glory: Antietam—The Desperate Battle That Saved Lincoln and Doomed Slavery
On September 17, 1862, the "United States" was on the brink, facing a permanent split into two separate nations. America's very future hung on the outcome of a single battle--and the result reverberates to this day. Given the deep divisions that still rive the nation, given what unites the country, too, Antietam is more relevant now than ever. The epic battle, fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, was a Civil War turning point. The South had just launched its first invasion of the North; victory for Robert E. Lee would almost certainly have ended the war on Confederate terms. If the Union prevailed, Lincoln stood ready to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. He knew that freeing the slaves would lend renewed energy and lofty purpose to the North's war effort. Lincoln needed a victory to save the divided country, but victory would come at a price. Detailed here is the cannon din and desperation, the horrors and heroes of this monumental battle, one that killed 3,650 soldiers, still the highest single-day toll in American history. Justin Martin, an acclaimed writer of narrative nonfiction, renders this landmark event in a revealing new way. More than in previous accounts, Lincoln is laced deeply into the story. Antietam represents Lincoln at his finest, as the grief-racked president--struggling with the recent death of his son, Willie--summoned the guile necessary to manage his reluctant general, George McClellan. The Emancipation Proclamation would be the greatest gambit of the nation's most inspired leader. And, in fact, the battle's impact extended far beyond the field; brilliant and lasting innovations in medicine, photography, and communications were given crucial real-world tests. No mere gunfight, Antietam rippled through politics and society, transforming history.A Fierce Glory is a fresh and vibrant account of an event that had enduring consequences that still resonate today.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
29 people are currently reading
1017 people want to read
About the author
Justin Martin
9 books51 followersMy latest is A Fierce Glory, out in September (Da Capo Press). It's a group biography treatment of Antietam, the Civil War's pivotal battle, still America's single bloodiest day. The rich cast includes: Robert E. Lee, pioneering war photographer Alexander Gardner, and Jonathan Letterman, the father of battlefield medicine. Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation are woven into my account far more than in a typical military history of Antietam.
My specialty is American history, meticulously researched, but delivered in a narrative style that’s akin to fiction. My previous book was Rebel Souls: Walt Whitman and America’s First Bohemians (Da Capo, 2014) about a decadent and incredibly influential artists’ circle that hung out at Pfaff’s saloon in NYC during the 1850s. Among its members: a young Walt Whitman; Artemus Ward, America’s first standup comic; psychedelic drug pioneer Fitz Hugh Ludlow; and Adah Isaacs Menken, an actress notorious for her “"Naked Lady" act. Rebel Souls, chosen as the outstanding biography of 2014 by the Victoria Society, New York, and as a finalist for the Marfield Prize, was also picked as one of the best books of that year by both the Kansas City Star and Choice magazine.
Before that, I wrote Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted (Da Capo, 2011). Genius tells the story of one of the most important figures in the history of America. Olmsted was a fervent abolitionist, noted journalist, Civil War hero, early environmentalist, and the landscape architect behind New York's Central Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, Stanford University, the Biltmore Estate and dozens of other green spaces around the U.S.
Other subjects have included Alan Greenspan and Ralph Nader. My Greenspan bio was selected as a notable book for 2001 by the New York Times Book Review. My Nader bio was a primary source for An Unreasonable Man, an Academy Award nominated documentary. I have also written a number of children's books for use in the classroom, everything from biographies to fractured fairy tales to titles designed to help young readers learn parts of speech. I'm a generalist. I love to write on varied subjects for both kids and adults.
I'm a 1987 graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX. I live with my wife and twin sons in Forest Hills Gardens, NY, a neighborhood designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
My specialty is American history, meticulously researched, but delivered in a narrative style that’s akin to fiction. My previous book was Rebel Souls: Walt Whitman and America’s First Bohemians (Da Capo, 2014) about a decadent and incredibly influential artists’ circle that hung out at Pfaff’s saloon in NYC during the 1850s. Among its members: a young Walt Whitman; Artemus Ward, America’s first standup comic; psychedelic drug pioneer Fitz Hugh Ludlow; and Adah Isaacs Menken, an actress notorious for her “"Naked Lady" act. Rebel Souls, chosen as the outstanding biography of 2014 by the Victoria Society, New York, and as a finalist for the Marfield Prize, was also picked as one of the best books of that year by both the Kansas City Star and Choice magazine.
Before that, I wrote Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted (Da Capo, 2011). Genius tells the story of one of the most important figures in the history of America. Olmsted was a fervent abolitionist, noted journalist, Civil War hero, early environmentalist, and the landscape architect behind New York's Central Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, Stanford University, the Biltmore Estate and dozens of other green spaces around the U.S.
Other subjects have included Alan Greenspan and Ralph Nader. My Greenspan bio was selected as a notable book for 2001 by the New York Times Book Review. My Nader bio was a primary source for An Unreasonable Man, an Academy Award nominated documentary. I have also written a number of children's books for use in the classroom, everything from biographies to fractured fairy tales to titles designed to help young readers learn parts of speech. I'm a generalist. I love to write on varied subjects for both kids and adults.
I'm a 1987 graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX. I live with my wife and twin sons in Forest Hills Gardens, NY, a neighborhood designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 11, 2018
GNab Fierce Glory covers one battle - Antietam beginning on September, 17, 1862. Unlike a number of books covering this three day battle, this one stands alone. The step by step actions and movements of the troops have been well covered by many authors. Justin Martin chooses to tackle this historical battle from the aspects of General George McClellan commanding the Union Troops, General Robert Lee guiding the Confederate Troops, and the actions and reactions of Abraham Lincoln as he absorbs the slowly arriving news of this battle, taking place only 55 miles from D.C. Antietam has been the most lethal battle in our history. With the yank and rebel loses combined, 3,650 died on 9.17.1862. Another 2,000 would later die of their wounds.
Justin Martin did a LOT of research before writing A Fierce Glory. The reactions included here are gleaned from many journals and letters of the participants of the Antietam battle. Twenty-one percent of this history is comprised of notes and the bibliography. Many of the volumes Martin used while blocking out the background and research in this history are available at my little library. I am hoping you can find them at yours, as well.
I found it very interesting that the heart of the division between the north and south is very clear in A Fierce Glory. The Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Both England and France who depended on imports of cotton and grains from the US were on the verge of recognizing the South as a separate entity until the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. A battle over States Rights and Federal interference were one thing, and having the USA split in two would be advantageous to Europe. Dealing directly with the south on important imports would be cheaper if they cut out the middle man - exporters in the north who purchased the crops to forward them to Europe. But both England and France had already abolished slavery in their own colonies. They could not continence aiding the Confederates with the issue of slavery so prominently labeled as a major cause of this civil conflict. Many histories continue to state that slavery was the hiccup that started the Civil War rather than standing up to the industrialized Northern states who used their power in Washington DC to keep the South hamstrung by Federal controls, restrictions and laws.
I received a free electronic copy of this history from Netgalley, Justin Martin, and Da Capo Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.Netgalley
pub date Sept 11, 2018
Da Capo Press
Justin Martin did a LOT of research before writing A Fierce Glory. The reactions included here are gleaned from many journals and letters of the participants of the Antietam battle. Twenty-one percent of this history is comprised of notes and the bibliography. Many of the volumes Martin used while blocking out the background and research in this history are available at my little library. I am hoping you can find them at yours, as well.
I found it very interesting that the heart of the division between the north and south is very clear in A Fierce Glory. The Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Both England and France who depended on imports of cotton and grains from the US were on the verge of recognizing the South as a separate entity until the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. A battle over States Rights and Federal interference were one thing, and having the USA split in two would be advantageous to Europe. Dealing directly with the south on important imports would be cheaper if they cut out the middle man - exporters in the north who purchased the crops to forward them to Europe. But both England and France had already abolished slavery in their own colonies. They could not continence aiding the Confederates with the issue of slavery so prominently labeled as a major cause of this civil conflict. Many histories continue to state that slavery was the hiccup that started the Civil War rather than standing up to the industrialized Northern states who used their power in Washington DC to keep the South hamstrung by Federal controls, restrictions and laws.
I received a free electronic copy of this history from Netgalley, Justin Martin, and Da Capo Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.Netgalley
pub date Sept 11, 2018
Da Capo Press
May 14, 2019
I'm a bit of a Civil War nut so this book definitely scratched my itch! It's a clever telling of both the battle and also the political backdrop which made it so pivotal. Justin Martin's writing style is very accessible and conversational which makes for an easy and entertaining read.
November 22, 2022
Part Bruce Catton, part dramatic narrative, this book delivers in a big way. The author takes us through the battle of Antietam; America's bloodiest battle. I found the book to be well structured; I wasn't sure which human interest story was coming next. Also, the author uses many first hand accounts to enliven the narrative. I would say this book is a great starting point for anyone wanting further knowledge about Antietam. A very good read.
May 30, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest battle ever on American soil. I was hoping for a greater development of the background story leading to the battle. The author has primarily spent the majority of his thesis tying the battle to the Emancipation Proclamation issued as a result of the tactical but bloody Union victory. This battle occurred just a few days after Second Bull Run and Lee invaded the North with the thought that bringing the horror of war to the Union states there would be a better chance that Lincoln could be pressured to end the war in favor of the South. This could have, should have, but wasn't developed by the author.
September 1, 2018
I love stories about Lincoln and this is one of the better ones I have read. It is full of interesting facts and interested points of view. Another look at the history that held my attention from beginning to end.
October 16, 2024
A Fierce Glory: Antietam - The desperate battle that saved Lincoln and doomed slavery by Justin Martin
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The Battle of Antietam: the single bloodiest day in American history, September 17, 1862 with more than 22,000 casualties and over 3600 dead as union and confederate armies clashed near Antietam creek in Sharpsburg, Maryland. This battle would be the northern “victory” needed for president Lincoln to put forth his emancipation proclamation which freed slaves held in confederate territory and was an important step toward making the civil war about slavery as the key issue instead of reunification of the union with slavery intact. By making the wars goal ending slavery, this made England and France remain neutral nations which was crucial to destroying the rebellion in the south. In this book the author takes a different approach to explaining the battle by interweaving personal accounts and stories with the ongoing political crises in Lincoln’s Washington DC, all the while not bogging down the pace of the narrative with too many tactical details and numbers which can become confusing. We also learn of the after effects on the nation as a whole with a new medium of media that was on the rise during the dawn of the civil war - photography. Alexander Gardner and Mathew Brady were pioneers of this new technology and photographed the battlefield carnage and the dead strewn about in most peculiar manners and put these photos on display in New York City to the great shock and dismay of the public. This brought the war home for many and people started to realize the terrible human cost of the war. If you must pick a book to read on Antietam, this one is worth every word.
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#antietam #maryland #civilwar #civilwarhistory #lincoln #usa #bookstagram #bookreview #readersofinstagram #read #warishell
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The Battle of Antietam: the single bloodiest day in American history, September 17, 1862 with more than 22,000 casualties and over 3600 dead as union and confederate armies clashed near Antietam creek in Sharpsburg, Maryland. This battle would be the northern “victory” needed for president Lincoln to put forth his emancipation proclamation which freed slaves held in confederate territory and was an important step toward making the civil war about slavery as the key issue instead of reunification of the union with slavery intact. By making the wars goal ending slavery, this made England and France remain neutral nations which was crucial to destroying the rebellion in the south. In this book the author takes a different approach to explaining the battle by interweaving personal accounts and stories with the ongoing political crises in Lincoln’s Washington DC, all the while not bogging down the pace of the narrative with too many tactical details and numbers which can become confusing. We also learn of the after effects on the nation as a whole with a new medium of media that was on the rise during the dawn of the civil war - photography. Alexander Gardner and Mathew Brady were pioneers of this new technology and photographed the battlefield carnage and the dead strewn about in most peculiar manners and put these photos on display in New York City to the great shock and dismay of the public. This brought the war home for many and people started to realize the terrible human cost of the war. If you must pick a book to read on Antietam, this one is worth every word.
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.
#antietam #maryland #civilwar #civilwarhistory #lincoln #usa #bookstagram #bookreview #readersofinstagram #read #warishell
November 18, 2022
Justin Martin provides a riveting account of the single bloodiest day of combat of the American Civil War. This is a very detailed accounting of the significant movements of troops at the Battle of Antietam but, as Martin specifically addresses, also an accounting of the political backdrop surrounding the battle. Martin's thesis is that the battle that would start around Antietam was directly important for the Union cause and Lincoln's decision to publish his Emancipation Proclamation. He does a decent job at convincing the reader of this link, but the book is generally a very good and immersive look at a particular time in American history.
The battle commentary itself is spectacularly and gruesomely detailed as expected for most books looking American military history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Martin is able to balance the focus of the battle between the two opposing generals, Lee and McClellan, and the various officers, troops, journalists, local citizens, and enslaved people that took part in or were caught up in the battle. An interesting epilogue at the end provides a guide to the reader if they wish to ever visit the battlefield today, something I appreciate as a history buff and traveler.
Interspersed between the details of the battle are accounts of the political, economic, and cultural realities of the north and south, with a particular focus on Lincoln's life as the President, his grief over the loss of his young son, and his weighing the question of slavery.
A high recommend for me for anyone interested in American Civil War history. This is another solid military history book in the era of muskets and grapeshot.
The battle commentary itself is spectacularly and gruesomely detailed as expected for most books looking American military history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Martin is able to balance the focus of the battle between the two opposing generals, Lee and McClellan, and the various officers, troops, journalists, local citizens, and enslaved people that took part in or were caught up in the battle. An interesting epilogue at the end provides a guide to the reader if they wish to ever visit the battlefield today, something I appreciate as a history buff and traveler.
Interspersed between the details of the battle are accounts of the political, economic, and cultural realities of the north and south, with a particular focus on Lincoln's life as the President, his grief over the loss of his young son, and his weighing the question of slavery.
A high recommend for me for anyone interested in American Civil War history. This is another solid military history book in the era of muskets and grapeshot.
July 14, 2020
The Battle of Antietam, unjustly ignored by many modern citizens, presents a near-limitless canvas for study, admiration and disgust. The mass killing on the fields surrounding Sharpsburg (which still stands as the bloodiest single day in US history) remains shocking to modern sensibilities.
Justin Martin's "A Fierce Glory" captures some of that canvas, but unfortunately misses the mark by a margin, preventing this book from standing out amid the din of Civil War history. Martin's prose is lurid and storytelling supremely capable; unfortunately, the narrative is weighed down by needless literary gimmicks to supposedly heighten tension. Antietam, a battle so grand and awful, is one of the few events that needs few additions: like a simple though powerful ingredient, it requires little seasoning to pack a punch.
In addition, readers of Civil War books may find some of the background details tedious. The lives of Lee and McClellan, though perhaps appealing to a wider audience, reveal little if anything that can be found in other biographies and monographs on Antietam and the wider war. Furthermore, Martin appears to withhold some gunpowder from McClellan's reputation: far too little focus is paid to the general's dithering and lack of strategic awareness. If U.S. Grant were in charge at Antietam, is there any doubt that the Union would have followed up, attacked Lee, and perhaps ended the war early?
Martin's book may be fine for general readers, but there is unfortunately little to commend it to more seasoned Civil War aficionados.
Justin Martin's "A Fierce Glory" captures some of that canvas, but unfortunately misses the mark by a margin, preventing this book from standing out amid the din of Civil War history. Martin's prose is lurid and storytelling supremely capable; unfortunately, the narrative is weighed down by needless literary gimmicks to supposedly heighten tension. Antietam, a battle so grand and awful, is one of the few events that needs few additions: like a simple though powerful ingredient, it requires little seasoning to pack a punch.
In addition, readers of Civil War books may find some of the background details tedious. The lives of Lee and McClellan, though perhaps appealing to a wider audience, reveal little if anything that can be found in other biographies and monographs on Antietam and the wider war. Furthermore, Martin appears to withhold some gunpowder from McClellan's reputation: far too little focus is paid to the general's dithering and lack of strategic awareness. If U.S. Grant were in charge at Antietam, is there any doubt that the Union would have followed up, attacked Lee, and perhaps ended the war early?
Martin's book may be fine for general readers, but there is unfortunately little to commend it to more seasoned Civil War aficionados.
March 11, 2019
A building in Alexandria,Virginia flew the Rebel flag, that flag was visible from the White House. There was a midnight raid to take the flag down. Colonel Elmer Ellsworth was killed in the raid. Union soldiers rallying cry “Remember Ellsworth”. History really comes alive telling obscure stories like this.
The subject of this book is Antietam, the single bloodiest day in American History. The book is meticulous,often extremely gory. Chapters rang from talking about Cannonballs, mini biographies of most of the players, General McClellan and Robert E Lee. The action of the day is covered, as is battlefield photography. The Author takes us to The War Department and Lincoln awaiting details.
It is very readable, and the Author does a great job at explaining why this particular was so important. If you like Civil War History or military history in general, this is a great book.
The subject of this book is Antietam, the single bloodiest day in American History. The book is meticulous,often extremely gory. Chapters rang from talking about Cannonballs, mini biographies of most of the players, General McClellan and Robert E Lee. The action of the day is covered, as is battlefield photography. The Author takes us to The War Department and Lincoln awaiting details.
It is very readable, and the Author does a great job at explaining why this particular was so important. If you like Civil War History or military history in general, this is a great book.
April 5, 2019
When I first began reading this book, I was not impressed. I had read many books on the Civil War and Antietam and thought this one might be too simplified and possibly aimed at a young adult audience. However, I soon recognized that even though the book was so well written and explained the battle so well, that I really changed my mind. The book stated it was going to tie the battle and what President Lincoln was thinking and how both influenced each other. I wasn't sure it did this as well as the telling of the battle, but the President and his thoughts were certainly part of the story. The author did a very good job of telling the events of the battle without getting too involved in detail. It was clearly written and could visualize all the key events. This is not a book for the true Civil War buff, but it is excellent for most any but the very advanced student of the battle.
October 14, 2018
This book was a delightful surprise. I am far from a Civil War buff and have read very little on the subject. The author summarized his extensive research in such a way that the battle and its participants came alive. His descriptions of the personalities of the generals and President Lincoln were both incisive and helped me follow their actions in an incisive manner.
I realize that there are probably many other books written about Antietam but this is the one that you should read because the author focuses on the big picture and not just troop movements and weaponry.
I would have to compare the scope of this wonderful book to that of "A Night to Remember" by Walter Lord. Justin Martin does for Antietam what Lord did for the Titanic.
I realize that there are probably many other books written about Antietam but this is the one that you should read because the author focuses on the big picture and not just troop movements and weaponry.
I would have to compare the scope of this wonderful book to that of "A Night to Remember" by Walter Lord. Justin Martin does for Antietam what Lord did for the Titanic.
January 31, 2019
Excellent description of this crucial battle. Martin does not resort to the usual inside baseball format so many battlefield histories rely on, but rather allows the reader to follow along with first person accounts from actual participants. He uses language artfully to paint the scene and also ties in what was happening in Washington at the time to what was happening on the battlefield, to give a bigger picture view of the battle.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
October 11, 2019
The battle of Antietam is told without "Co C moved here...". Rather, details about battlefield medicine, the aftereffects on the locals of a battle, individual soldiers' accounts are interspersed with the actual battle. Though I've read many books and articles on Antietam, this was the first time the battle sequence made any sense.
This is a great read for Civil War buff, historian, and any reader.
This is a great read for Civil War buff, historian, and any reader.
April 28, 2020
I enjoyed this book. While the story of the battle of Antietam is of itself interesting and compelling, the deeper treatment in telling the stories of some of the key players in the battle and framing it out with the political and military context of the time just adds to the story. Mr. Martin does a great job in getting into the small intimate details of the battle while weaving in the larger view that helps put this battle into a larger context.
January 31, 2026
This book goes in-depth with the battle of Antietam, beginning on September 17, 1862, and it would be over by the 19th of September. Still, the first day of battle had the highest casualty of the war, with 3,650 for both sides. Still more would perish days later. The author does thorough research through letters, journals, and history from the battlefield, and other references to give as much authenticity to the battle as possible. A wonderful book about the battle.
April 30, 2019
This is a fantastic book. I enjoyed the author's method of switching between what was going on during the battle and what was going on with President Lincoln in Washington. Definitely recommend this book for those who like to study the battle of Antietam, President Lincoln, or the Civil War in general.
September 12, 2018
The author did extensive research on a battle that many have never heard of and wrote this book highlighting the significance of the Battle of Antietam. This is one of the best books that I have read about Lincoln and this time period, as there were a lot of facts I had not heard before.
October 9, 2018
Loved this book! The author creates a fascinating story of the day of battle with each hour unfolding with the ever changing strategy of the military units and their commanders. The research that went into this book is astounding.
December 1, 2018
Antietam
Nothing new from a historical perspective. However, the writing style made me feel like I was right there on the battlefield. I look forward to reading other or future books written by Justin Martin.
Nothing new from a historical perspective. However, the writing style made me feel like I was right there on the battlefield. I look forward to reading other or future books written by Justin Martin.
February 8, 2019
Fast-paced narrative of the Battle of Antietam and its political consequences. Author's style is a bit informal at times, so this might put some readers off (conversational tone at times seemed a bit irreverent to me). Good first book about the battle.
May 14, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book! I have always enjoyed Civil War history, but Antietam was definitely a turning point, and not in the way many thing! Justin Martin did a fabulous job of bringing the battle, and the aftermath to light, Descriptive, enjoyable, and a danged fine read!
October 13, 2018
A fast-paced account of the crucial battle of the Civil War. A great read, and vastly informative.
December 22, 2018
Wonderful storytelling and history. A great slice of time recounting of Antietam and its aftermath. It contains the added bonus of a suggested tour and tips.
February 6, 2019
Concise but comprehensive summary of the Battle at Antietam creek, it's immediate impact, and it's implications for Lincoln's subsequent actions.
March 8, 2021
An excellent book about a crucial battle in the Civil War which proved that the Confederates under Lee could be beaten
September 20, 2022
Excellent book about Antietam. I liked the way the book dealt not only with the battle itself, but why it was so important and the role Lincoln was playing at this particular point in history.
February 12, 2024
My issue with this book is it’s flat out boring. I’ve read many other Civil War books but those were engaging.
Take Two
Take Two
November 20, 2018
I’ve read several books about the Civil War and while I’ve enjoyed them, I’ve often found them too heavy on troop movements and too light on historical context. A Fierce Glory is the exception. An excellent book for Civil War history enthusiasts or for those wanting to dip their toe into the subject. While its focus is the battle of Antietam, its tangents provide background that not only kept the narrative interesting but also piqued my interest to find out more about the myriad cast of characters and the surrounding events. As a result, I am planning a trip to the battlefield and several other sites mentioned in the book (the author provides a helpful list at the end of the book of places to visit). Highly recommend.
March 1, 2019
I'm conflicted on this book. While I was initially pleased with how the narrative concentrates less on the overall battle strategy and more on the human stories of the participants (including Lincoln and McLellan and Lee), as I moved more into the book, I found it difficult to stay interested. The whole middle of the book was page after page of "This group of guys crept up, charged and got slaughtered," and then "This other group of guys crept up, charged and got slaughtered." After awhile I became inured to the slaughter, and pretty much stopped caring who I was even reading about at any given point. Since the book seemed intent on putting a more human face on the participants, I found this to be a strange consequence. It was like reading about two kids playing with little green army men.
I've read "The Killer Angels" multiple times, which is heralded to be the last word on Gettysburg, and had a difficult time following the flow of the battle at times. The diagrams didn't always seem to tally with the narrative, and the sheer number of names made it difficult to keep track of everything. Every time I sit down to read that book, I always tell myself I should have a notebook nearby to jot notes to help, but I never do.
KA and 'A Fierce Glory' are on opposite sides of the problem for me. I would have preferred MORE discussion about the battle sequence and troop movements in AFG, so when my interest in each individual company of men being currently slaughtered waned, I could at least back out to the overall strategic picture. Maybe just the addition of some well-designed troop movement diagrams would give me what I needed. Instead it was 200 pages of, "Some guys climbed a hill and ran into a hailstorm of bullets and it really sucked to be them."
On the other hand, maybe Martin was trying to make you feel like one of those soldiers...they wouldn't have had any concept why they were doing what they did at any given moment, nor would they have known how their actions affected the overall battle. This is how I felt as a reader, and I didn't much care for it.
I very much appreciated Martin's choice to explain the backgrounds and motivations of the main characters. This was what made the book worth reading, to me. His Lincoln, McLellan and Lee really came to life for me, and I learned many things I hadn't known before.
I've read "The Killer Angels" multiple times, which is heralded to be the last word on Gettysburg, and had a difficult time following the flow of the battle at times. The diagrams didn't always seem to tally with the narrative, and the sheer number of names made it difficult to keep track of everything. Every time I sit down to read that book, I always tell myself I should have a notebook nearby to jot notes to help, but I never do.
KA and 'A Fierce Glory' are on opposite sides of the problem for me. I would have preferred MORE discussion about the battle sequence and troop movements in AFG, so when my interest in each individual company of men being currently slaughtered waned, I could at least back out to the overall strategic picture. Maybe just the addition of some well-designed troop movement diagrams would give me what I needed. Instead it was 200 pages of, "Some guys climbed a hill and ran into a hailstorm of bullets and it really sucked to be them."
On the other hand, maybe Martin was trying to make you feel like one of those soldiers...they wouldn't have had any concept why they were doing what they did at any given moment, nor would they have known how their actions affected the overall battle. This is how I felt as a reader, and I didn't much care for it.
I very much appreciated Martin's choice to explain the backgrounds and motivations of the main characters. This was what made the book worth reading, to me. His Lincoln, McLellan and Lee really came to life for me, and I learned many things I hadn't known before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews