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U.S. Landmark Books #86
Stonewall Jackson
history
183 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1959
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 3, 2014
Published in 1959 by Random House
Illustrated by William Moyers
In the 1950's and 1960's Random House created an extraordinary history series for children called Landmark Books. There were 122 books in the American history series and 63 in the World Landmark series. A very solid description of the series can be found here: link. When I was a kid my little hometown library had what seemed like an endless shelf of these books (I even remember where it was in the library nearly 40 years later). Undoubtedly, these books are part of the reason I am a history teacher.
So, when I found one of these volumes, Stonewall Jackson , sitting all by itself at a book sale my heart leapt like I was seeing an old friend that I have not spoken to for years. It had been purged from a school library, which is very sad in my mind because this entire series is excellent.
This short history (184 pages of text and illustrations, including a six page index) is short on Jackson's youth and long on his experiences in the Civil War. It also includes his service in the Mexican War and his famed appointed to the Virginia Military Institute as an instructor. To put it mildly, he was as poor a teacher as he was an excellent officer during the Civil War.
The description of Jackson's famed Valley Campaign is explained in this book as well as I have ever read and better than in most of the books I have read (I have read well more than 100 books on the topic). I found the illustrations to be solid and nothing more, but I remember staring at similar illustrations when I was a kid, coming back to them again and again, trying to absorb what people wore and carried back in those days.
This book is short on causes of the war. Slavery is ...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2014/...
Illustrated by William Moyers
In the 1950's and 1960's Random House created an extraordinary history series for children called Landmark Books. There were 122 books in the American history series and 63 in the World Landmark series. A very solid description of the series can be found here: link. When I was a kid my little hometown library had what seemed like an endless shelf of these books (I even remember where it was in the library nearly 40 years later). Undoubtedly, these books are part of the reason I am a history teacher.
So, when I found one of these volumes, Stonewall Jackson , sitting all by itself at a book sale my heart leapt like I was seeing an old friend that I have not spoken to for years. It had been purged from a school library, which is very sad in my mind because this entire series is excellent.
This short history (184 pages of text and illustrations, including a six page index) is short on Jackson's youth and long on his experiences in the Civil War. It also includes his service in the Mexican War and his famed appointed to the Virginia Military Institute as an instructor. To put it mildly, he was as poor a teacher as he was an excellent officer during the Civil War.
The description of Jackson's famed Valley Campaign is explained in this book as well as I have ever read and better than in most of the books I have read (I have read well more than 100 books on the topic). I found the illustrations to be solid and nothing more, but I remember staring at similar illustrations when I was a kid, coming back to them again and again, trying to absorb what people wore and carried back in those days.
This book is short on causes of the war. Slavery is ...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2014/...
August 6, 2026
A bit too long and dull. I am of the opinion that the story of Jackson and his undeniable significance to the Civil War could better be presented as part of a broader historical account that considers other figures as well. So much of this (all but the first four chapters: more than two-thirds of the book) was the story of the Civil War, but only those parts concerning Jackson. Definitely not essential reading for young students of the topic.
September 9, 2025
I liked it. One of the better Landmark books, from a technical writing point of view.
I also really felt a sort of connection with Stonewall, especially how because of his tumultuous childhood, he clung to certain disciplines; such as keeping his word, keeping traditions, and religion.
I also really felt a sort of connection with Stonewall, especially how because of his tumultuous childhood, he clung to certain disciplines; such as keeping his word, keeping traditions, and religion.
December 1, 2023
An older book depicting the life of Stonewall Jackson before, but especially during the Civil War. Also includes some sketches and pictures.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews