Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War

by George Francis Robert Henderson, Bob Henry (Illustrations)

Before the great Republic of the West had completed a century of independent national existence, its political fabric was subjected to the strain of a terrible internecine war. That the true cause of conflict was the antagonism between the spirit of Federalism and the theory of ""States' Rights"" is very clearly explained in the following pages, and the author exactly expresses the feeling with which most Englishmen regard the question of Secession, when he implies that had he been a New Englander he would have fought to the death to preserve the Union, while had he been born in Virginia he would have done as much in defence of a right the South believed inalienable. The war thus brought about dragged on its weary length from the spring of 1861 to the same season of 1865.

Genres: History, Biography, Civil War, American Civil War, War, Civil War History, Military History

643 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

Colonel George Francis Robert Henderson, (AKA G.F.R. Henderson ) CB was a British soldier and military author.
Col. Henderson was one of Britain's most outstanding military historians. His Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War has been universally recognized as the best biography of the famous Confederate general and a classic in military literature.

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best account of Stonewall that was ever printed. Published close to the time frame of his life, this 2 volume work was also compiled by a good British Officer - the outside view looking in is simply astounding. Anyone interested in the War Between the States and either side of the war; should read this book.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great accounting of Stonewall Jackson's activity during the Civil War. The author originally wrote the book in the late 1800's after corresponding with members of Jackson's staff in order to get primary source material.

[Adhoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two contradictions stuck me while reading this book:

1. Henderson belittles Union generals relentlessly throughout the book yet at the same time attempts to make the case that Jackson is a great general. Would Jackson have been as successful had he faced Grant Sherman or Sheridan?

2. Jackson is devoutly christian yet he can't wait to kill more Yankees. He is quoted saying as much. I guess god told him it was ok to kill his enemies. Foote called him a religious fanatic. He was probably right.

I believe it was General Bee who told his men, "There stands Jackson like a stone wall". Whether he meant it as a compliment or an insult is up to you to decide

This is a worthwhile read but Henderson overstates the case. The gushing goes on and on!

BTW I read the kindle edition from Gutenburg, the maps were difficult to read. I suggest that you read this book in conjunction with this web site: http://www.civilwar.org/maps/animated...

[Lee Harrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very large and thorough two volume set of some 940 pages. Probably too much for a casual Civil War buff. The depth of detail on Stonewall’s battles is amazing. There is also a good bit of personal history of Jackson’s early life and his experiences at West Point. My only concern is a serious one, however. The author, an Englishman, was an overt Lee and Jackson worshipper. His bias, I believe, subjects his entire narrative to question by the devoted Civil War student. One must keep this caveat in mind when devoting a prolonged period of time reading this book.

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This massive classic, written by a British military historian (and lieutenant colonel) and published in 1898 (originally in two volumes), is a biographical military history, not a biography per se. Readers will learn a great deal more about Jackson as a commander and tactician than Jackson as a person. Likewise, the author puts Jackson's story into the overall context of the Eastern Theater so that readers will necessarily learn about important events occurring outside of Jackson's command as well.

The book is an important resource for American students of Jackson and the war but it was written for a British audience, particularly a British audience with a good understanding of 19th century European military history. The author frequently references episodes and characters from British history that will likely be obscure to most American readers. At one point the reader is told that Bull Run is the width of the Thames at Oxford. Likewise the author presumes the reader has knowledge of the details of the Napoleonic battles and campaigns.

The book is well-researched (for its time) and very well-written. The author's writing style is engaging and compelling. His research includes personal correspondence with surviving contemporaries of Jackson, invaluable additions to the historical record. Allowance must be made, of course, for when the book was written.

Note that this reprint edition does not include the introduction or the appendices from the original.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 1961 edition of Colonel Henderson's 1898 book on Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War has been on my shelf for some time and the mood took me to at last read it. I am pleased to have read all through a story that is conveyed in that unmistakable Victorian elegance that rather over-emphasises points and uses flowery descriptions. This is to my liking at least occasionally.

The book itself is more about the campaigns of General Jackson's somewhat brief military career. Having gained entry to West Point he went to the Mexican War and was rather sidelined to the Professorship at a military college only to rejoin at the outbreak of the civil war. His reputation was quickly gained until he was shot seemingly by his own side while riding in front of the lines.

A good account with plenty of maps but lacks a bibliography, which is a shame but does not detract from a good book although might be described as heavy reading. 4 stars.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken me about two weeks to read these two volumes. Not so much a biography as teaching tactics and strategy.

I think the thing I loved the most was the quote from a dedication of a statue to Jackson in New Orleans, the chaplain said, "When in Thine inscrutable decree it was ordained that the Confederacy should fail, it became necessary for Thee to remove Thy servant Stonewall Jackson."

[Grant Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but verbose

I’m no student of military strategy and history, so I found maybe half the book uninteresting, comparing Jackson to Napoleon and English generals. I did find interesting the portrait of Jackson and description of the actual battles.

[bernard j denver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the very best one could read of the civil war and General Stonewall Jackson.

A true manuscript of the US civil war was lacking until I read this enthralling book of a truly great man.

[Abby Chism · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book with wonderful detail and history but also extremely bias

[E. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Read it because of it being talked about in other books. Good read a little long.

[robert s bruchmann]

Stone wall Jackson the man

Good story about a mistake taken by men that didn't know where the South would go with a war period

[Binston Birchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative look at the career of Stonewall Jackson. This was written 120 years ago and the author refers continuously to events of the 19th century (of which I know little). The leadership qualities of Jackson as well as his tactics and strategy are discussed at length and compared with great leaders from the Napoleanic Wars and many others. The author undoubtedly has a bias in favor of Jackson and the south but, aside from the Peninsula Campaign, Jackson did had remarkable success. It would be interesting to hear Henderson's thoughts on the idea of post-traumatic stress being the reason for his failure in the Peninsula. Overall this is a great book for learning about what makes a good leader and the vast amount of military knowledge that Henderson lays down on these pages makes for some compelling reading for a student of history.

[Constance McCutcheon]

2 volumes. Excellent.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-rate biography of one of the most important military figures in history. At nearly 1000 pages, this book examines every facet of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and shows why he was the most important cog in the Confederate war machine until his death in 1863. Although the book is quite lengthy, every page and paragraph has a purpose and provides incredible detail into the life of this man. The book is a little biased in that there it rarely finds fault with Jackson's actions or motives, but it does a great job of dissecting the whys and wherefores of his decisions, for good and ill. It also offers some striking analysis of some of the Civil War's greatest battles, and the examination of the battle of Fredericksburg is quite intriguing. I'll let you discover what I mean for yourself, but I have rarely seen such detailed analysis of why a battle was not the convincing victory that most writers would claim it as, as Henderson's description of this battle. I was a little daunted by the book's length when I started it, but once I did, I could not put it down. I highly recommend not using the Kindle version as none of the maps come through, but still a fascinating read.

[Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow reader, I rarely tackle 800-page tomes, but this was the second one for me in less than a year and it was well worth the lengthy visit. G F R Henderson was a military man as well as an author and this detailed account of Stonewall Jackson's Civil War efforts is a masterpiece. Henderson, from England, amazed me with his detailed descriptions of geography and American
history...specially the politics of the Civil War era.
This book was educational for me....I learned much about how the war was fought and much about the folks that fought it. Jackson, of course, was killed in 1863 at Chancellorsville, accidentally, by friendly fire. I was amused to learn that a story circulated throughout the nation that God had wanted the Union to win, but knew they couldn't so long as Stonewall Jackson was on the other side. So the Lord took His faithful servant home so the United States could be preserved.
Jackson was an amazing man who became highly regarded worldwide for his character, faith, and military strategies.
The author fully appreciates this.

[Tim Renshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on all fronts. Great information on the Civil War from the point of view of a British general written close to the time of the events.

Insights to the genius generalship and solid Christian character of the man Stonewall Jackson.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

America's Cromwell, Jackson was perhaps the war's best tactician. This biography is a classic no civil war library should be without.

[Carlyn Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though a big book I was captivated to the end. Lessons galore from a perspective and a man thoroughly Christian in the great war of the states. Highly recommend.

[Nathan Foy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely detailed military view of Stonewall's feats. Found it hard to read in large chunks.

[Don Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For decades this was the classic treatment of Jackson. It is still a marvelous military biography.