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Darkness at Chancellorsville
Ralph Peters' Darkness at Chancellorsville is a novel of one of the most dramatic battles in American history, from the New York Times bestselling, three-time Boyd Award-winning author of the Battle Hymn Cycle.
Centered upon one of the most surprising and dramatic battles in American history, Darkness at Chancellorsville recreates what began as a brilliant, triumphant campaign for the Union--only to end in disaster for the North. Famed Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson bring off an against-all-odds surprise victory, humiliating a Yankee force three times the size of their own, while the Northern army is torn by rivalries, anti-immigrant prejudice and selfish ambition.
This historically accurate epic captures the high drama, human complexity and existential threat that nearly tore the United States in two, featuring a broad range of fascinating--and real--characters, in blue and gray, who sum to an untold story about a battle that has attained mythic proportions. And, in the end, the Confederate triumph proved a Pyrrhic victory, since it lured Lee to embark on what would become the war's turning point--the Gettysburg Campaign (featured in Cain At Gettysburg).
Centered upon one of the most surprising and dramatic battles in American history, Darkness at Chancellorsville recreates what began as a brilliant, triumphant campaign for the Union--only to end in disaster for the North. Famed Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson bring off an against-all-odds surprise victory, humiliating a Yankee force three times the size of their own, while the Northern army is torn by rivalries, anti-immigrant prejudice and selfish ambition.
This historically accurate epic captures the high drama, human complexity and existential threat that nearly tore the United States in two, featuring a broad range of fascinating--and real--characters, in blue and gray, who sum to an untold story about a battle that has attained mythic proportions. And, in the end, the Confederate triumph proved a Pyrrhic victory, since it lured Lee to embark on what would become the war's turning point--the Gettysburg Campaign (featured in Cain At Gettysburg).
384 pages, Hardcover
Published May 21, 2019
93 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Ralph Peters
76 books225 followersRalph Peters is a novelist, an essayist, a former career soldier, and an adventurer in the 19th-century sense. He is the author of a dozen critically acclaimed novels, two influential works on strategy, "Beyond Terror" and "Fighting for the Future".
Mr. Peters' works can also be found under the pen name "Owen Parry." He also appears frequently as a commentator on television and radio networks.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ralphp...
Mr. Peters' works can also be found under the pen name "Owen Parry." He also appears frequently as a commentator on television and radio networks.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ralphp...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 5, 2024
“None of the dying and bleeding had done any good.”
I read a book that Ralph Peters wrote under a pen name and I was very impressed by it. He has a series of books about the Civil War, so I have decided to read them. DARKNESS AT CHANCELLORSVILLE makes me confident that I have made a good choice.
The novel is structured so that we get many 3rd person points of view from various characters. Some of the perspectives are reoccurring throughout the whole text, and some only pop up once or a few times. I really enjoyed getting into one character’s head for a few pages, sometimes only for a few sentences, and then moving into another’s. Peters also does a nice job using the hubris of some characters to create some clever (and sometimes unexpected) moments of dramatic irony. The characters are complex. There is no hagiography here. Or scapegoating. These people are “good and ill combined”, as are we all.
I have read quite a few novels about the Civil War, and Peters has them all beat for authenticity (the world leaps off the page) and for dialogue. His generals and soldiers are not the folks of pontificating history books. He also knows his stuff (Peters has an extensive military background, and is a very educated and obviously smart man). An example is in chapter 6 of the book, which is a brilliant depiction of Stonewall Jackson’s surprise flank attack at the battle of Chancellorsville. The often shifting perspectives in this chapter makes for a vivid recreation of what that evening must have felt like for the various participants.
When an immigrant solider in the book said the following, I almost shouted. “But this war won’t be lost. It can’t be. We’ll win because we must win. Show me another country, anywhere, that has fought a civil war to free its own slaves-and men of a different race, at that. There is no such country. Only here.” I always remind people who knock America about the scourge of slavery about this very pertinent fact. It does not excuse it, etc. But it is relevant to the values and spirit upon which my nation was founded that slavery lasted less than 80 years in the United States. Compared to much of the world that is remarkable. It was lovely to see it echoed in this novel, and by an immigrant, a former soldier of the revolutions in Prussia. And, the sentiment was depicted in a manner still accurate for the prevailing sentiments of the period. Notice that this person (enlightened by the standards of the time) still sees color as a difference with an implication that it is somewhat less than.
In the same vein, this is the first Civil War novel that I have read that gives a lot of attention to the recent immigrants (on both sides) who fought in the war. It gives a powerful depth this this text.
Quotes:
• “He’d seen too many promising starts dissolve into chaos and loss.”
• “An officer with nothing to do was a danger to man and beast.”
• “Few things made Germans happier than melancholy music.”
• “Plenty of things that feel good don’t help.”
• “Habit outlasted reason.”
• “It was always the one thing you took for granted that bit you…”
• “He saw and sensed and knew things others didn’t, although he had learned not to speak of it to others.”
• “Equal in chances, if not in gifts.”
• “…the point is not to be damaged inside, even when we’re damaged on the outside…to believe not because, but despite.”
• “…but war didn’t whisper requests, it shouted demands.”
Ralph Peters’ Author’s Note at the end of this novel is brilliant in and of itself. Don’t put the book down before reading it. At one point he writes, “I’m allergic to attempts to romanticize war.” This text proves that he truly believes that.
From Generals Lee and Hooker to nameless privates on the field, DARKNESS AT CHANCELLORSVILLE bounces around, making a full picture for the reader. This is a realistic, gritty, and honest depiction of history. I will start in with Mr. Peters’ “Battle Hymn” cycle (5 books that take the war from Gettysburg to Appomattox) soon.
I read a book that Ralph Peters wrote under a pen name and I was very impressed by it. He has a series of books about the Civil War, so I have decided to read them. DARKNESS AT CHANCELLORSVILLE makes me confident that I have made a good choice.
The novel is structured so that we get many 3rd person points of view from various characters. Some of the perspectives are reoccurring throughout the whole text, and some only pop up once or a few times. I really enjoyed getting into one character’s head for a few pages, sometimes only for a few sentences, and then moving into another’s. Peters also does a nice job using the hubris of some characters to create some clever (and sometimes unexpected) moments of dramatic irony. The characters are complex. There is no hagiography here. Or scapegoating. These people are “good and ill combined”, as are we all.
I have read quite a few novels about the Civil War, and Peters has them all beat for authenticity (the world leaps off the page) and for dialogue. His generals and soldiers are not the folks of pontificating history books. He also knows his stuff (Peters has an extensive military background, and is a very educated and obviously smart man). An example is in chapter 6 of the book, which is a brilliant depiction of Stonewall Jackson’s surprise flank attack at the battle of Chancellorsville. The often shifting perspectives in this chapter makes for a vivid recreation of what that evening must have felt like for the various participants.
When an immigrant solider in the book said the following, I almost shouted. “But this war won’t be lost. It can’t be. We’ll win because we must win. Show me another country, anywhere, that has fought a civil war to free its own slaves-and men of a different race, at that. There is no such country. Only here.” I always remind people who knock America about the scourge of slavery about this very pertinent fact. It does not excuse it, etc. But it is relevant to the values and spirit upon which my nation was founded that slavery lasted less than 80 years in the United States. Compared to much of the world that is remarkable. It was lovely to see it echoed in this novel, and by an immigrant, a former soldier of the revolutions in Prussia. And, the sentiment was depicted in a manner still accurate for the prevailing sentiments of the period. Notice that this person (enlightened by the standards of the time) still sees color as a difference with an implication that it is somewhat less than.
In the same vein, this is the first Civil War novel that I have read that gives a lot of attention to the recent immigrants (on both sides) who fought in the war. It gives a powerful depth this this text.
Quotes:
• “He’d seen too many promising starts dissolve into chaos and loss.”
• “An officer with nothing to do was a danger to man and beast.”
• “Few things made Germans happier than melancholy music.”
• “Plenty of things that feel good don’t help.”
• “Habit outlasted reason.”
• “It was always the one thing you took for granted that bit you…”
• “He saw and sensed and knew things others didn’t, although he had learned not to speak of it to others.”
• “Equal in chances, if not in gifts.”
• “…the point is not to be damaged inside, even when we’re damaged on the outside…to believe not because, but despite.”
• “…but war didn’t whisper requests, it shouted demands.”
Ralph Peters’ Author’s Note at the end of this novel is brilliant in and of itself. Don’t put the book down before reading it. At one point he writes, “I’m allergic to attempts to romanticize war.” This text proves that he truly believes that.
From Generals Lee and Hooker to nameless privates on the field, DARKNESS AT CHANCELLORSVILLE bounces around, making a full picture for the reader. This is a realistic, gritty, and honest depiction of history. I will start in with Mr. Peters’ “Battle Hymn” cycle (5 books that take the war from Gettysburg to Appomattox) soon.
August 9, 2021
Ralph Peters, with this novel, rightfully takes his place alongside Michael and Jeff Shaara and Bruce Catton as the finest chroniclers of our Civil War to have written in the last two centuries. I mean that. To appreciate the author completely, one must go back and read Mr. Peters' other Civil War novels. He has a style that blends fictional narrative with historical fact. And he is very good at it.
August 8, 2019
**This review has also been posted to edwardrickford.com and Amazon**
Ralph Peters is one of my favorite historical fiction authors still writing today. While I disagree with many of his political positions and think he has a bit too much sympathy for the Confederates, I have a great deal of respect for his writing abilities and his research process. I have read all of his Civil War novels, except for Hell or Richmond, and I think Darkness at Chancellorsville will probably be remembered as his best work.
Like all of his Civil War novels, Darkness at Chancellorsville is a multiple protagonist novel that explores the conflict from the perspective of Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers. Some of these characters are featured in his other novels—Meade, Sickles, and Lee for example—but some characters—like Jackson, Howard, and Schultz—have never appeared in Peters’ work. For the most part, the characters are engaging and lively and I can’t think of any character POV that I found disagreeable. Lest anybody accuse me of fanboy adulation, I should note I’m not a fan of all the characters included in the Battle Hymn Cycle. Neither Cobb nor Grant’s formerly enslaved aide brought much to the table, just my opinion though, and I probably would not have liked Darkness at Chancellorsville as much had these characters been included.
In terms of newcomers, Schurz’ character stuck with me the most. Peters’ has a penchant for including the POVs of fiery abolitionists in his novels and Schurz definitely fits the mold. Nonetheless, I think Schurz’ character was, in many respects, an improvement on many of those other characters. Some of this deals with Schurz’ backstory. A German revolutionary, Schurz saw firsthand how the 1848 revolutions of Europe failed and understands that kind sentiments are not enough to change the world. Whereas others might give in to bitterness and regret, Schurz resolves to fight on and travels to the United States to aid the abolitionist cause. Backstory aside, I think Schurz’ POV stands out because Peters’ does such a great job of capturing his frustration. Schurz and many of his fellow officers suspect that the Confederates are attempting a flank and bring warning to their superiors. His superiors refuse to take heed of his advice, or any advice coming from the “German quarter,” and Schurz is essentially forbidden from making proper preparations. Ultimately, Schurz’ warning proves correct and Jackson’s flanking maneuver almost destroys the Union army.
When it comes to recurring characters, Sickles’ POV packed the most punch for me. I think almost anyone who has read Cain at Gettysburg, or just knows a decent amount about the Gettysburg battle, would not be inclined to extend Sickles a great of respect and I was surprised by Peters’ portrayal of Sickles. While it wasn’t positive per se, I think Peters makes it clear that Sickles did acquit himself relatively well in the Battle of Chancellorsville and gave good insight into Sickles’ thinking. Hooker made a serious error by ordering Sickles’ to abandon the high ground, essentially ceding the best artillery position to the Confederate forces without a fight, and Sickles’ contempt toward Hooker’s decision is very easy to understand.
The information goes a long way towards explaining Sickles’ actions in the Battle of Gettysburg and makes his tragic decision to disobey Meade’s order much more understandable. I doubt any agent or editor encouraged Peters to include Sickles’ POV in Darkness at Chancellorsville but I am glad he did as I think it will encourage readers to take a more holistic view of historical figures. To judge Sherman solely by his worst performance in battle, say Shiloh, would be unfair and the same holds true for Sickles. Sickles was by no means a battlefield genius but it’s very likely he understood that Hooker’s decision to cede Hazel Grove was a serious tactical error.
Unfortunately for the Union, it was just one of Hooker’s many tactical blunders. If we are to judge Hooker solely by this one battle, his command of the Army of the Potomac was an absolute disaster. Like McClellan, Hooker deserves a great deal of credit for reorganizing the army and improving morale. He had a great deal of talent for logistics but when it came to fighting, Hooker and McClellan both proved far too timid. Worse yet, Hooker was extremely rigid when it came to battle strategy. This made for a terrible combination as Hooker proved unwilling to go on the offense when Lee was vulnerable and discouraged his subordinates from adequately preparing for flanking attacks. As a result, the Union played a poor offense and a poor defense in the battle. Fortunately, the Union army was not completely destroyed in the Battle of Chancellorsville and Lincoln relieved Hooker of command a short time later, allowing the far-more competent Meade to face off against Lee in Gettysburg.
Peters’ Cain at Gettysburg gives more insight into this battle but for readers who are mainly interested in learning about the Battle of Chancellorsville, I would highly recommend Darkness at Chancellorsville. It is an excellent read and extremely informative, and I highly recommend it Civil War buffs as well as historical fiction enthusiasts.
Ralph Peters is one of my favorite historical fiction authors still writing today. While I disagree with many of his political positions and think he has a bit too much sympathy for the Confederates, I have a great deal of respect for his writing abilities and his research process. I have read all of his Civil War novels, except for Hell or Richmond, and I think Darkness at Chancellorsville will probably be remembered as his best work.
Like all of his Civil War novels, Darkness at Chancellorsville is a multiple protagonist novel that explores the conflict from the perspective of Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers. Some of these characters are featured in his other novels—Meade, Sickles, and Lee for example—but some characters—like Jackson, Howard, and Schultz—have never appeared in Peters’ work. For the most part, the characters are engaging and lively and I can’t think of any character POV that I found disagreeable. Lest anybody accuse me of fanboy adulation, I should note I’m not a fan of all the characters included in the Battle Hymn Cycle. Neither Cobb nor Grant’s formerly enslaved aide brought much to the table, just my opinion though, and I probably would not have liked Darkness at Chancellorsville as much had these characters been included.
In terms of newcomers, Schurz’ character stuck with me the most. Peters’ has a penchant for including the POVs of fiery abolitionists in his novels and Schurz definitely fits the mold. Nonetheless, I think Schurz’ character was, in many respects, an improvement on many of those other characters. Some of this deals with Schurz’ backstory. A German revolutionary, Schurz saw firsthand how the 1848 revolutions of Europe failed and understands that kind sentiments are not enough to change the world. Whereas others might give in to bitterness and regret, Schurz resolves to fight on and travels to the United States to aid the abolitionist cause. Backstory aside, I think Schurz’ POV stands out because Peters’ does such a great job of capturing his frustration. Schurz and many of his fellow officers suspect that the Confederates are attempting a flank and bring warning to their superiors. His superiors refuse to take heed of his advice, or any advice coming from the “German quarter,” and Schurz is essentially forbidden from making proper preparations. Ultimately, Schurz’ warning proves correct and Jackson’s flanking maneuver almost destroys the Union army.
When it comes to recurring characters, Sickles’ POV packed the most punch for me. I think almost anyone who has read Cain at Gettysburg, or just knows a decent amount about the Gettysburg battle, would not be inclined to extend Sickles a great of respect and I was surprised by Peters’ portrayal of Sickles. While it wasn’t positive per se, I think Peters makes it clear that Sickles did acquit himself relatively well in the Battle of Chancellorsville and gave good insight into Sickles’ thinking. Hooker made a serious error by ordering Sickles’ to abandon the high ground, essentially ceding the best artillery position to the Confederate forces without a fight, and Sickles’ contempt toward Hooker’s decision is very easy to understand.
The information goes a long way towards explaining Sickles’ actions in the Battle of Gettysburg and makes his tragic decision to disobey Meade’s order much more understandable. I doubt any agent or editor encouraged Peters to include Sickles’ POV in Darkness at Chancellorsville but I am glad he did as I think it will encourage readers to take a more holistic view of historical figures. To judge Sherman solely by his worst performance in battle, say Shiloh, would be unfair and the same holds true for Sickles. Sickles was by no means a battlefield genius but it’s very likely he understood that Hooker’s decision to cede Hazel Grove was a serious tactical error.
Unfortunately for the Union, it was just one of Hooker’s many tactical blunders. If we are to judge Hooker solely by this one battle, his command of the Army of the Potomac was an absolute disaster. Like McClellan, Hooker deserves a great deal of credit for reorganizing the army and improving morale. He had a great deal of talent for logistics but when it came to fighting, Hooker and McClellan both proved far too timid. Worse yet, Hooker was extremely rigid when it came to battle strategy. This made for a terrible combination as Hooker proved unwilling to go on the offense when Lee was vulnerable and discouraged his subordinates from adequately preparing for flanking attacks. As a result, the Union played a poor offense and a poor defense in the battle. Fortunately, the Union army was not completely destroyed in the Battle of Chancellorsville and Lincoln relieved Hooker of command a short time later, allowing the far-more competent Meade to face off against Lee in Gettysburg.
Peters’ Cain at Gettysburg gives more insight into this battle but for readers who are mainly interested in learning about the Battle of Chancellorsville, I would highly recommend Darkness at Chancellorsville. It is an excellent read and extremely informative, and I highly recommend it Civil War buffs as well as historical fiction enthusiasts.
June 14, 2019
A very good book on the battle of Chancellorsville, I don't know why Stonewall Jackson is mentioned in the sub-title, his story does not take up more space than others in the book. It would be better if this book was in order with how the Civil War was fought.
July 1, 2019
There are a lot of ACW books out there, and it's difficult to choose which ones to take a chance on. This one caught my attention by the reference to Jackson in the title, but it really doesn't focus on him, but rather handles the perspectives and experiences of so many men involved in this short time period bursting with brutality, personal pride, fear, courage, and deadly mistakes. Truly compelling - I highly recommend this one no matter what your feelings are about either side, because when it comes down to it, even those fighting realize that it's all about the last man standing, and how many men are necessary to make the odds favor one side over another.
June 19, 2019
I hope this book leads to more from Peters about the beginning of the war. A very good read!
October 27, 2019
5 stars
Ralph Peters is remarkable as usual in his insights into the men's thoughts and behaviors. I enjoyed his stories about each individual's thoughts, dreams and desires of those men fighting that awful war.
Mr. Peters describes the terrain, the weather and the fighting conditions so that this reader was also on the battlefield. The descriptions are so real and colorful that I felt as though I were standing on the field with the combatants. I could hear the screams of the men and horses. I could smell the gunpowder and the dying men and animals. I was horrified and oddly fascinated. (!)
I don't know much about military tactics, so I can't speak to that. But I have read all of Mr. Peters, Jeff Shaara and others' books on the Civil War and feel that I have a pretty good grasp of the officers, their personalities and the various battles. I really appreciate the way Mr. Peters talks about the individuals embroiled in the war from officers to enlisted men. He gives the reader insights into their thoughts, their grudges -some petty and some not so petty – their histories, and even their aches and pains so that we can better understand their behavior.
It did surprise me, however, how many of the officers actually enjoyed or got charged up by the battles. Enjoyment of war? Hmmm, is that a singularly guy thing? (Not intending to be sexist at all...just don't know too many women who would love it so much.)
The Battle at Chancellorsville was beset by misunderstood or incomprehensible commands. Many times the orders arrived too late and the soldiers and their officers were blamed for inaction or cowardice. It is estimated that Hooker's Union force was three times the size of Lee's Confederates, but Hooker's blunders, officer infighting and gross discrimination led to a Union defeat. Added to that the lines of communication did not always work. The technical innovations Hooker wanted to rely on were too untried and had too many bugs as all new things seem to have.
Perhaps the near-mythological status of Robert E. Lee gave Hooker pause as well. Maybe his seeming indecision at times had to do with that.
All in all, this is a very good book. Mr. Peters covered everything from the men to the weather and terrain of the battle. The book is remarkably well researched. I had not read much about the Battle of Chancellorsville before I read this book. I'm very glad that I did. I recommend this book to any aficionado of the Civil War, or just anyone who loves history.
Ralph Peters is remarkable as usual in his insights into the men's thoughts and behaviors. I enjoyed his stories about each individual's thoughts, dreams and desires of those men fighting that awful war.
Mr. Peters describes the terrain, the weather and the fighting conditions so that this reader was also on the battlefield. The descriptions are so real and colorful that I felt as though I were standing on the field with the combatants. I could hear the screams of the men and horses. I could smell the gunpowder and the dying men and animals. I was horrified and oddly fascinated. (!)
I don't know much about military tactics, so I can't speak to that. But I have read all of Mr. Peters, Jeff Shaara and others' books on the Civil War and feel that I have a pretty good grasp of the officers, their personalities and the various battles. I really appreciate the way Mr. Peters talks about the individuals embroiled in the war from officers to enlisted men. He gives the reader insights into their thoughts, their grudges -some petty and some not so petty – their histories, and even their aches and pains so that we can better understand their behavior.
It did surprise me, however, how many of the officers actually enjoyed or got charged up by the battles. Enjoyment of war? Hmmm, is that a singularly guy thing? (Not intending to be sexist at all...just don't know too many women who would love it so much.)
The Battle at Chancellorsville was beset by misunderstood or incomprehensible commands. Many times the orders arrived too late and the soldiers and their officers were blamed for inaction or cowardice. It is estimated that Hooker's Union force was three times the size of Lee's Confederates, but Hooker's blunders, officer infighting and gross discrimination led to a Union defeat. Added to that the lines of communication did not always work. The technical innovations Hooker wanted to rely on were too untried and had too many bugs as all new things seem to have.
Perhaps the near-mythological status of Robert E. Lee gave Hooker pause as well. Maybe his seeming indecision at times had to do with that.
All in all, this is a very good book. Mr. Peters covered everything from the men to the weather and terrain of the battle. The book is remarkably well researched. I had not read much about the Battle of Chancellorsville before I read this book. I'm very glad that I did. I recommend this book to any aficionado of the Civil War, or just anyone who loves history.
July 29, 2019
This is a well-researched account of The Confederate victory at the Battle of Chancellorsville. It is a work of historical fiction that spends a great deal of time imagining the thoughts of the participants on both sides of the confrontation from generals down to the sergeants and privates. There are several maps throughout the book that help the reader to visualize the positions of the combatants. While the sub-title speaks about this being Stonewall Jackson’s victory, he is taken out of action well before the final part of the battle.
Because the author describes the actions and feelings of people from the north and the south, it was a bit confusing in the first third of the book to know which side of the conflict was the subject of the discussion. Eventually the names became more familiar and the confusion faded away. The author has written several other Civil War era novels and I look forward to reading some of them.
Because the author describes the actions and feelings of people from the north and the south, it was a bit confusing in the first third of the book to know which side of the conflict was the subject of the discussion. Eventually the names became more familiar and the confusion faded away. The author has written several other Civil War era novels and I look forward to reading some of them.
June 20, 2020
Ralph Peters has written a sixth volume in his series on the Eastern theater of the civil war. Darkness at Chancellorsville recounts the feckless effort of union general Joe Hooker whose braggadocio is no match for the Lee/Jackson boldness. May 1863 resulted in another Union defeat but opens up Lee’s hubristic comeuppance two months later at Gettysburg. Lee’s victory at Chancellorsville was at heavy cost: Stonewall Jackson is shot by his own troops and succumbs to pneumonia days later. The confederate army will never be the same. Peters makes you feel the sordid experience of 19th c civil war battles. He’s a master at it.
March 9, 2022
Ralph Peters continues his fascinating story telling of another battle of the civil war, Chancellorsville.
Of course this battle is most known for where the south's iconic general was shot down. Ironically it was his own troops that dealt this what tuned out to be fatal blow. But even with Lee lacking his fabled general the south was still able to prevail or at least fight to a draw. The north had many more men, much more supplies but once it again it also had the most inept leaders from top to bottom.
Of course this battle is most known for where the south's iconic general was shot down. Ironically it was his own troops that dealt this what tuned out to be fatal blow. But even with Lee lacking his fabled general the south was still able to prevail or at least fight to a draw. The north had many more men, much more supplies but once it again it also had the most inept leaders from top to bottom.
June 16, 2019
Brilliant!
Ralph Peters has done it again, finally writing about Stonewall Jackson and the fateful Chancellorsville campaign that changed so much on both sides of the American Civil War. A worthy and epic prelude to the Battle Hymn Cycle that starts with 'Cain at Gettysburg'. I've waited a long time since finishing 'Judgement at Appomattox' to read this, and it didn't disappoint. High recommended!
Ralph Peters has done it again, finally writing about Stonewall Jackson and the fateful Chancellorsville campaign that changed so much on both sides of the American Civil War. A worthy and epic prelude to the Battle Hymn Cycle that starts with 'Cain at Gettysburg'. I've waited a long time since finishing 'Judgement at Appomattox' to read this, and it didn't disappoint. High recommended!
July 23, 2019
Another solid effort by Ralph Peters. Not at the same level of some of his other Civil War novels but still well worth your time. The best part of the book is how it encourages you to go and read other histories about this battle and it’s participants. It is also a good reminder that while tactically the Confederate victory at Chancellorsville was brilliant, in the long run it was extremely costly for the Confederacy.
June 4, 2019
Outstanding Book
5 Stars. Have read all of LTC Peters Civil War books. This one outstanding. My great-grandfathers fought at Second Fredericksburg, Salem Church, Banks Ford., Chancellorsville. Book helped me understand better what they experienced. One captured withdrawing from Hazel Grove to Fairview. Must have felt like Pvt. Pickens in novel. Imprisoned at Belle Isle.
5 Stars. Have read all of LTC Peters Civil War books. This one outstanding. My great-grandfathers fought at Second Fredericksburg, Salem Church, Banks Ford., Chancellorsville. Book helped me understand better what they experienced. One captured withdrawing from Hazel Grove to Fairview. Must have felt like Pvt. Pickens in novel. Imprisoned at Belle Isle.
July 8, 2019
Ralph Peters brings the Civil War to life with excellent story writing and very complex and deep characters. The Stonewall Jackson puts a new light on a man of many talents, although who had flaws was an extraordinary human being. The narrative of the story moves along in a logical and interesting manner that makes it very hard to put this book down.
August 11, 2020
I loved this book. This is the sixth book Peters has written in his Civil War series and I hope he continues to write many more. He brings the characters (all real people) to life in a way that helps the reader (myself anyway) to truly understand and appreciate them in a way no formal history can do. Another winner from Ralph Peters.
June 1, 2022
Excellent research. Riveting writing.
Suffers throughout from armchair psychologizing.
(“Thomas Jonathan Jackson probably had a spectrum disorder” i.e. “He was somewhat autistic.” Why? Because he acted according to his beliefs. If that’s autism, we sure could use a whole hell of a lot more of it.)
Suffers throughout from armchair psychologizing.
(“Thomas Jonathan Jackson probably had a spectrum disorder” i.e. “He was somewhat autistic.” Why? Because he acted according to his beliefs. If that’s autism, we sure could use a whole hell of a lot more of it.)
August 25, 2025
It was decent, but Peters’ writing style has finally worn on me. Every AoP officer who went on to do memorable things at Gettysburg (Meade, Hancock, etc) had some sort of mental thought about how ‘if I get the chance,’ I’ll do the thing I’m known for. That’s okay in small doses but three times in two chapters is too much.
July 5, 2019
While I differ with Ralph Peters on political issues, I will be the first to admit that he writes outstanding Civil War historical novels. Right up there with Jeff Shaara. Having spent some time visiting the Chancellorsville battlefield, this does an excellent job of bringing it to life.
August 11, 2019
Not the best of his efforts
October 14, 2019
“Lest we forget”
December 30, 2019
Ralph Peters hits another one out of the park! Peters is unquestionably the best author of Civil War novels at this time. Certainly gives Jeff Shaara a run for the money.
June 25, 2020
Ralph Peters historical novels are chocked full of history, and an understanding of both the view from the General's high perch, and from the groundpounders low level. A winner.
April 1, 2021
Excellent book and series. Exceptional story telling
August 1, 2021
What an awesome novel! Ralph Peters is the best CW novelist around, better even than the Shaaras
March 8, 2022
As always with Ralph Peter's books... excellent!!
July 18, 2022
Excellent factual and personified historical novel of The Battle of Chancellorsville.
February 5, 2023
I absolutely love this author. The way he has of writing historical fiction grabs you from the get go. Read a lot of Civil war historical fiction but always come back to Ralph or Winston.
May 26, 2023
Enjoyable reading of a critical battle as the Civil War teetered towards the end.
August 8, 2023
A masterpiece of historical fiction. Perfectly encapsulates the brutality of Civil War combat.
January 28, 2024
A novelist look at the battle of Chancellorville.
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