Civil War on the Western Border, 1854-1865 by Jay Monoghan
Although this is not the definitive book on the Trans-Mississippi, it is, nevertheless, a very good overview of the war west of the Mississippi.
The conflict started there in 1854....6 years before Fort Sumter and it became the cruelest, and most useless, fighting in the entire War. 11 years of Retribution & Revenge.
Jay Monoghan starts with the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, follows the developing fight between pro-slavery elements and New England abolitionists, looks at Quantrill's sacking of Lawrence, bushwacking, and the ineptitude of the powers in Washington in handling the problems in, and between, Kansas and Missouri. Jay also includes much valuable material about the Indians part in the conflict.
For anyone wanting only a basic understanding of the bloody war west of the Mississippi then this book will fill that need.
For others wanting a place to start exploring this area of the Civil War, again, this book is a excellent place to start.
Chuck in Il.
Thanks for the book review, Chuck. It seems that the war west of the Mississippi often gets pushed onto the back burner when the Civil War is discussed. I know very little about it. But, I think I will check out this book so I can learn more. Thanks again.
I've been on the lookout for this book for years. I'll not pass up my next chance to purchase it. I haven't gone the eBay route yet- I'm still not trustful enough of the Internet to put any important number combinations out there, but perhaps one day...
__________________ 'It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag'
Ed, try ordering thru a book store, or www.nebraskapress.unl.edu
Think I got mine thru www.strandbooks.com for only 10 bucks. Of course, if your like me, you won't be able to order just 1 book from them. By the way, it was listed as a used paperback but actually looks like it just came off the shelf at Barnes and Noble.
As for important numbers, you can also try ordering with sending a check as your option. Also, some sites are very receptive to receiving 2 emails for a order, with each one containing 1 half of required numbers. However, I have been dealing online for about 4 years now and never had a issue with 'losing' any numbers. Although there is a chance of getting 'taken' its kinda rare.
I too have the book, I have as of yet not read it but after your review I have to bump it up on my to read list.
BTW I have never seen this book in a book store I found this copy in the Wilson's Creek BF gift shop and had to have it
Keith, I got the book for 2 reasons. 1. It was the book of choice for
a online civil war book discussion group some of us started at CWi, which means you have to be a paid member. 2. It was the book of choice because some of the group were going to a CW muster in MO/Ark/Kans. and it was the perfect intro to the Trans-Miss. Even with the 1 book, we learned enough to at least understand what was happening there.
Charles,
Being from the Midwest I'm very interested in and always looking for material on the TransMiss Theater.As you know this part of the war was largely overlooked in print for a long time. Many books I have found on topics of this theater have been either not worth reading or near impossible to find a copy.
Thanks again for the info
Keith
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