The Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864 (Military Campaigns of the Civil War) - Hardcover

William W. Bergen; Keith S. Bohannon; Andre M. Fleche; Joseph T. Glatthaar; Robert Krick; William J. Miller; Aaron Sheehan-Dean; William G. Thomas; Joan Waugh

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807830054 ISBN 13: 9780807830055

Publisher: University of North Carolina Press, 2006

Synopsis

Generally regarded as the most important of the Civil War campaigns conducted in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, that of 1864 lasted more than four months and claimed more than 25,000 casualties. The armies of Philip H. Sheridan and Jubal A. Early contended for immense stakes. Beyond the agricultural bounty and the boost in morale a victory would bring, events in the Valley also would affect Abraham Lincoln's chances for reelection in the November 1864 presidential canvass. The eleven original essays in this volume reexamine common assumptions about the campaign, its major figures, and its significance. Taking advantage of the most recent scholarship and a wide range of primary sources, contributors examine strategy and tactics, the performances of key commanders on each side, the campaign's political repercussions, and the experiences of civilians caught in the path of the armies. The authors do not always agree with one another, yet, taken together, their essays highlight important connections between the home front and the battlefield, as well as ways in which military affairs, civilian experiences, and politics played off one another during the campaign.

About this title

Review:

"This book is of real interest. The writing is good, the research strong." -- "Louisiana History" "Provides perspective on a variety of military, political and social issues related to the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864." -- "The Washington Times" "A great compilation of essays dealing with the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864. . . . Original and thoroughly researched. . . . Provide[s] historians and buffs alike with new material to consider when examining the Civil War." -- "Historian" "The delight found in these essays glimmers in the rummaging eye. . . . Gallagher's bazaar of scholars, mature and youthful, academic and independent, is open to a curious and treasure-hunting public." -- "Military History of the West" "For scholars . . . the volume offers significant new studies. More general Civil War readers will find the essays . . . informative, engaging, and well-written." -- "Civil War History" "A valuable book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the Valley Campaign of 1864." -- "Military Images" "Provide[s] historians and buffs alike with new material to consider when examining the Civil War." -- "Historian" "["The Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864"] will be of value to any student of the war." -- "Nymas Review" "An intelligent, readable collection of essays, the work fully meets the high standards of its predecessor volumes." Gordon C. Rhea, author of "Carrying the Flag: The Story of Private Charles Whilden, the Confederacy's Most Unlikely Hero"

About the Author:

Gary W. Gallagher is John L. Nau III Professor of History at the University of Virginia. He is author, most recently, of Lee and His Army in Confederate History.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0807830054
• ISBN 13: 9780807830055
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 416
• Editor: Gary W. Gallagher