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Triumph and Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign: Volume 2
The study of the Civil War in the Western Theater is more popular now than ever before, and the center of that interest is the months-long Vicksburg Campaign, which is the subject of National Park Historian Terrence J. Winschel’s new book Triumph & The Vicksburg Campaign, Vol 2.
Following up on the popular success of his earlier book of the same name, Winschel offers ten new chapters of insights into what has been declared by many to have been the most decisive campaign of the Civil War. Designed to appeal to both general readers and serious students, Winschel’s essays cover a wide range of topics, including military operations, naval engagements, leading personalities, and even a specific family caught up in the nightmarish 47-day siege that nearly cost them their lives.
Smoothly written and deeply researched, these fresh chapters offer balanced and comprehensive analysis written with the authority that only someone who has served as Vicksburg’s Chief Historian since 1978 can produce. Bolstered by photographs, illustrations, and numerous outstanding original maps, this second volume in the Triumph & Defeat series will stand as a lasting contribution to the study of the Civil War.
About the Winschel is author of many books, including Triumph & The Vicksburg Campaign (1998, 2004), Vicksburg is the The Struggle for the Mississippi River (2003), Fall of the Confederate Gibraltar (1999), and The Civil War Diary of a Common Soldier (2000). Terry is also a popular speaker on the Civil War Round Table circuit and has made frequent appearances on the History Channel. He lives in Vicksburg, where he works as the battlefield’s chief historian.
Following up on the popular success of his earlier book of the same name, Winschel offers ten new chapters of insights into what has been declared by many to have been the most decisive campaign of the Civil War. Designed to appeal to both general readers and serious students, Winschel’s essays cover a wide range of topics, including military operations, naval engagements, leading personalities, and even a specific family caught up in the nightmarish 47-day siege that nearly cost them their lives.
Smoothly written and deeply researched, these fresh chapters offer balanced and comprehensive analysis written with the authority that only someone who has served as Vicksburg’s Chief Historian since 1978 can produce. Bolstered by photographs, illustrations, and numerous outstanding original maps, this second volume in the Triumph & Defeat series will stand as a lasting contribution to the study of the Civil War.
About the Winschel is author of many books, including Triumph & The Vicksburg Campaign (1998, 2004), Vicksburg is the The Struggle for the Mississippi River (2003), Fall of the Confederate Gibraltar (1999), and The Civil War Diary of a Common Soldier (2000). Terry is also a popular speaker on the Civil War Round Table circuit and has made frequent appearances on the History Channel. He lives in Vicksburg, where he works as the battlefield’s chief historian.
- GenresCivil War
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 8, 2021
classic single volume of Vicksburg campaign
Better than Ballard. Best new entry in the single book treatment of the most important campaign of the Civil War since the 1950's. Well researched, using his unique access, the author put weight on the right sources, and makes reasonable choices here. I particularly applaud his avoidance of personal opinion, which is harder than it looks. Great book and significant contribution and no discernible slant!
Better than Ballard. Best new entry in the single book treatment of the most important campaign of the Civil War since the 1950's. Well researched, using his unique access, the author put weight on the right sources, and makes reasonable choices here. I particularly applaud his avoidance of personal opinion, which is harder than it looks. Great book and significant contribution and no discernible slant!
February 12, 2022
Both volumes of Triumph and Defeat are excellent and easy to follow. Terrence breaks out each chapter as an essay that is in chronological order of events that happen during the campaign.
June 4, 2013
Terry Winschel is the chief historian of Vicksburg National Military Park, so you couldn't find a better source of information on the Vicksburg campaign. His writing style is accessible, and his material is well thought-out and well researched.
The book consists of ten essays, covering a broad spectrum of subjects. Not just the marches and battles conducted by the Union and Confederate armies are explored here. Winschel touches on the naval aspect of the campaign, some of the controversial generals involved on both sides, civilian life in Vicksburg during the campaign and siege, the political and strategic importance of Vicksburg during the war, and the creation of the Vicksburg park after the war. The essays are all of an easily digestible length, and pleasant prose. The main drawback I encountered is that some of the assertions the author makes, and quotes he refers to, are repeated several times across the ten essays. It may help emphasize some of his points, but it can also feel a bit unnecessary.
Overall, Triumph & Defeat, Vol. 2 is a great way for both casual readers and Civil War buffs to expand their knowledge of this critical part of Civil War and American history.
The book consists of ten essays, covering a broad spectrum of subjects. Not just the marches and battles conducted by the Union and Confederate armies are explored here. Winschel touches on the naval aspect of the campaign, some of the controversial generals involved on both sides, civilian life in Vicksburg during the campaign and siege, the political and strategic importance of Vicksburg during the war, and the creation of the Vicksburg park after the war. The essays are all of an easily digestible length, and pleasant prose. The main drawback I encountered is that some of the assertions the author makes, and quotes he refers to, are repeated several times across the ten essays. It may help emphasize some of his points, but it can also feel a bit unnecessary.
Overall, Triumph & Defeat, Vol. 2 is a great way for both casual readers and Civil War buffs to expand their knowledge of this critical part of Civil War and American history.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews