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Cleburne: A Graphic Novel
Cleburne is the true story of Irish immigrant and Confederate General Patrick Cleburne and his plan to enlist slaves to fight for the South during the American Civil War. According to Cleburne's proposal all African Americans who served the Confederacy as soldiers would receive their freedom upon enlistment. This was a revolutionary concept for its day and sent Cleburne's life spiraling down a perilous road. Set during the critical year of 1864, and culminating in the bloody Battle of Franklin, Cleburne is a tale of unbeatable courage in the face of racism, conspiracy and war.
208 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published November 26, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 22, 2018
Graphic novels are best suited for telling tight, intense stories, and one could think of few better topics than Major General Patrick Cleburne. The medium is also ideally suited for introducing younger audiences to complex history, and in this regard Cleburne is again an ideal candidate. With its broad and dynamic art and its dramatic, largely historically sound narrative, Justin Sean Murphy's Cleburne is a welcome addition to the struggle to get young people interested in War Between the States history.
Focusing on the last year of his life, when the Irish general proposed his unpopular plan to liberate slaves to fight in the Confederate Army and served under Lieutenant General John Bell Hood in the Atlanta and Franklin-Nashville Campaigns, Cleburne remains overall true to history while adding in enough details and twists to stay interesting. Characterizations of historical figures are, on the whole, fair and accurate, and many interesting unexpected components of race relations in the Confederacy are nearly interwoven into the text.
There are a few simplifications and exaggerations, however, in particular with how Cleburne's sense of equality and intimacy with blacks assumes an extremely modern tenor. While the author provides a selection of Cleburne's writings to justify this appraisal, it nevertheless feels ahistorical and attributes sentiments that are just a little too progressive to the general.
Nevertheless, Cleburne is, on the whole, an excellent example of popular history for young people and tells an extremely important, and yet often overlook, episode in Confederate history. I would recommend Cleburne to young people aged 13 to 17 who are interested in War Between the States history, or for parents who want to get young people interested in history. Please note that there is a fair amount of gore, however, it is reasonably employed to illustrate the horrors of war. Die-hard adult fans of Cleburne may also appreciate this unique look at a great Southern hero.
Focusing on the last year of his life, when the Irish general proposed his unpopular plan to liberate slaves to fight in the Confederate Army and served under Lieutenant General John Bell Hood in the Atlanta and Franklin-Nashville Campaigns, Cleburne remains overall true to history while adding in enough details and twists to stay interesting. Characterizations of historical figures are, on the whole, fair and accurate, and many interesting unexpected components of race relations in the Confederacy are nearly interwoven into the text.
There are a few simplifications and exaggerations, however, in particular with how Cleburne's sense of equality and intimacy with blacks assumes an extremely modern tenor. While the author provides a selection of Cleburne's writings to justify this appraisal, it nevertheless feels ahistorical and attributes sentiments that are just a little too progressive to the general.
Nevertheless, Cleburne is, on the whole, an excellent example of popular history for young people and tells an extremely important, and yet often overlook, episode in Confederate history. I would recommend Cleburne to young people aged 13 to 17 who are interested in War Between the States history, or for parents who want to get young people interested in history. Please note that there is a fair amount of gore, however, it is reasonably employed to illustrate the horrors of war. Die-hard adult fans of Cleburne may also appreciate this unique look at a great Southern hero.
February 22, 2009
As a Northern Yankee, my natural perspective on the Civil War has always been a wee bit tainted by that whole "they had slaves" thing. While I am well aware the North was hardly slave-free in some states or a bastion of racial tolerance, any argument for the South begins and ends with that little thing for me. As romantic as the plantations were, as gallant as the men fighting for their country, especially as compared to the Union forces that seem so colorless, the simple slave fact has always been a slight impediment to me for sympathizing with the South.
That's where a book like this helps. Murphy's graphic novel about Pat Cleburne, a Southern general, originally from Ireland, who cared more for states' rights and personal determination than he did slavery, shows a man who, had he had his way, would have seen to the abolition of slavery regardless of who won the war. While Cleburne's thoughts on whether or not this could win the war seem to neglect the North's industrial base, Murphy's treatment does suggest Cleburne's talents and skills were more than adequate for winning the war before his death in battle.
That said, I did find Murphy's artwork, though stunning at times, a little problematic. Many characters look so similar it is difficult to tell some of them apart, and a more thorough telling of Cleburne's life might have been in order.
That's where a book like this helps. Murphy's graphic novel about Pat Cleburne, a Southern general, originally from Ireland, who cared more for states' rights and personal determination than he did slavery, shows a man who, had he had his way, would have seen to the abolition of slavery regardless of who won the war. While Cleburne's thoughts on whether or not this could win the war seem to neglect the North's industrial base, Murphy's treatment does suggest Cleburne's talents and skills were more than adequate for winning the war before his death in battle.
That said, I did find Murphy's artwork, though stunning at times, a little problematic. Many characters look so similar it is difficult to tell some of them apart, and a more thorough telling of Cleburne's life might have been in order.
March 29, 2021
I read this book for one reason only - I’ve met the author because he also wrote a musical I liked and he went to my parents’ church. I was afraid it would be full of Lost Cause drivel, and unfortunately I was correct. In the foreword, he comments that all history books are different and have inaccuracies. I won’t argue with that. But whatever books he used were definitely inaccurate. Historians should always evaluate sources for accuracy and reliability, as well as examining biases. I don’t think Murphy did that.
So Murphy quoted part of Cleburne’s proposal to arm slaves and give them freedom in return. He is then portrayed as someone who viewed Black people as equals, when the reality is that he also said that freeing them didn’t mean changing the status quo. That part is omitted from this book. And whether Cleburne said/believed the war wasn’t about slavery or not, slavery was the main reason given in the secession documents.
This book also made Forrest out to look like a good person who actually respected Black people.
In case anyone wonders, I’m from the South. I grew up learning all the Lost Cause ideology in my history classes in school. I idolized Lee and could tell you about the battles and Confederate generals (and I’ll make fun of McClellan any day). I’m also an archaeologist and historian and know how to critically examine the past, even when it hurts.
So Murphy quoted part of Cleburne’s proposal to arm slaves and give them freedom in return. He is then portrayed as someone who viewed Black people as equals, when the reality is that he also said that freeing them didn’t mean changing the status quo. That part is omitted from this book. And whether Cleburne said/believed the war wasn’t about slavery or not, slavery was the main reason given in the secession documents.
This book also made Forrest out to look like a good person who actually respected Black people.
In case anyone wonders, I’m from the South. I grew up learning all the Lost Cause ideology in my history classes in school. I idolized Lee and could tell you about the battles and Confederate generals (and I’ll make fun of McClellan any day). I’m also an archaeologist and historian and know how to critically examine the past, even when it hurts.
May 25, 2009
Blah. Story was told poorly, but it was pretty.
August 23, 2017
To enjoy this book to its fullest, the reader must have some knowledge of the Civil War.
The artwork is vivid and realistic, especially in terms of the horrors of war. Necessarily so. Do not miss the quotations at the end of the book.
Overall, worth reading, especially in this day and age (2017).
The artwork is vivid and realistic, especially in terms of the horrors of war. Necessarily so. Do not miss the quotations at the end of the book.
Overall, worth reading, especially in this day and age (2017).
June 15, 2018
Tragic and beautiful. Amazing story. Amazing illustrations.
March 2, 2017
The pacing a little off, but I enjoyed it.
October 24, 2013
This is a pretty good piece of historical fiction that's going to be overlooked because the guy doesn't really have a fully formed art style. Getting an pro like Al Milgrom to ink it was a smart move, but it didn't stop the characters from all looking the same. There's about three or maybe four people in this comic who look identical, and unfortunately one of the is General Cleburne, the main character. Considering the guy was the only Irish fellow in the whole CSA command, you'd think it'd be easy to make him stick out more.
As historical fiction goes it seems a little more accurate than usual and slightly more interesting than your average yarn about the Civil War. The guy its about is definitely an interesting fellow with an amazing story to tell, but I doubt he was quite as perfect as he's made out to be here. Still, Cleburne sounds like he was a good guy.
As historical fiction goes it seems a little more accurate than usual and slightly more interesting than your average yarn about the Civil War. The guy its about is definitely an interesting fellow with an amazing story to tell, but I doubt he was quite as perfect as he's made out to be here. Still, Cleburne sounds like he was a good guy.
August 8, 2009
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is about the last year of Confederate General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne's life. What makes him so interesting is that he was the first to publicly advocate the use of African American slaves in Confederate ranks, promising them freedom upon enlistment. About what is perhaps the most misunderstood and controversial topic in United States history, this book is a good addition to Civil War lit.
July 11, 2016
A unique way to approach historical fiction that clearly included a lot of research. Excellently done. Very moving. This would be great for anyone trying to introduce a love of history to a teen. But make sure an older teen as the battle scenes get graphic. I give this 5 stars for its uniqueness, ability to cover a wonderful story of an individual whose life story needs more telling, and just the successful presentation of this brave undertaking.
January 4, 2009
This is gorgeously drawn, and was an interesting story that was new to me. The story focuses on Pat Cleburne, a confederate general who proposed offering freedom to slaves in exchange for their service as soldiers in the confederate army. I cannot vouch for its historical accuracy, but this graphic novel will probably lead to me further research General Cleburne.
October 11, 2012
Justin Murphy has done a great job of making history come alive. In this graphic novel the animation and writing come together gracefully to make a very intriguing tale. Pat Cleburne is a war hero you are rooting for until the very end. One of the best Civil war tales I have read! I highly recommend this to those looking for a good first graphic novel read.
July 18, 2011
3.5 Stars - a lot of information in this book, but very interesting. This would be a great way to introduce a reluctant reader to some of the more interesting people around during the Civil War that the textbooks just skim over.
July 1, 2009
This was so cool! It was also an amazing story about the Civil War!
July 14, 2011
YA Graphic Novel Murphy J.
Very well written. I can see this being used by teachers as an introduction into the Civil War.
Very well written. I can see this being used by teachers as an introduction into the Civil War.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews