Fields of Honor Ed Bearss

[matthew mckeon]

Most of the way through Fields of Honor. I grabbed in a used bookstore for a couple of bucks.

I'm glad I didn't spend more. Its a transcription of talks Bearss gives to visitors to various National Battlefields. Bearss makes a good guide, he's current on the scholarship, doesn't repeat hoary chestnuts, makes his point with a telling anecdote. Good maps. But its a recorded tour basically, very lightweight.

I think Park interpreters do a pretty good job, and I think park interpretation is a crucial educational service, and where a lot of people get exposure to the Civil War. But as a book for a serious student of the war, I can't recommend it.

Also I glanced back a few pages, because I have a nagging feeling that someone has posted on this book before, but I didn't find anything. Sorry if its the case.

[gary]

It would have been better with an audio disk and pull out maps. That way you could do the walk & listen to the talk. I sent a copy to a soldier who is also a reenactor in Iraq.

[matthew mckeon]

Sounds like a good idea. In reading some of the later essays, I think my first judgement was a little harsh.

[samgrant]

While it was a bit light, I found it enjoyable for Bearss unique sparkling commentary.