NF Jackson's Valley Campaign- Need Suggestions

[Mefwyn]

Hi. As a casual student of the Civil War I have read alot of books on battles in NC and I now want to read some books on Virginia battles. I figured I'd ask if anyone can suggest a good nonfiction book about Jackson's Valley Campaign. Also, any good books on Antietam would also interest me. Christmas is coming up after all and I need some new books . Thanks y'all.

 

[Drew]

We've got an entire sub forum related to Jackson.

https://civilwartalk.com/forums/thomas-stonewall-jackson.161/

Forum member James N. is host and can help you. Go and peruse the threads on Stonewall, there's lots of good stuff.

 

[kholland]

Right off two classic books on Antietam are Stephen Sears' "Landscape Turned Red" And James Murfin' s "The Gleam of Bayonets"

And here is the thread on Antietam books with other suggestions.

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/best-books-about-antietam.126760/#post-1379050

 

[ErnieMac]

I have three books on Jackson's Valley Campaign:

• Stonewall in the Valley by Robert Tanner.
• Shenandoah 1862 by Peter Cozzens
• Conquering the Valley by Robert Krick.

Tanner's book was written in 1975 and considered one of the best. It is mostly written from the Confederate perspective. Cozzens wrote paying more attention to the Union side, but is considered by some to have denigrated Jackson's personality and accomplishments. Conquering the Valley concentrates on the latter days of the campaign, focusing on Cross Keys and Port Republic.

 

[Mefwyn]

If Tanner's book is considered one of the best than I think I will try it out. Thank you!

 

[Deleted User CS]

Correct me if I am wrong but I think Tanner's book was reprinted several years ago with new materials. David.

 

[James N.]

I have three books on Jackson's Valley Campaign:

• Stonewall in the Valley by Robert Tanner.
• Shenandoah 1862 by Peter Cozzens
• Conquering the Valley by Robert Krick.

Tanner's book was written in 1975 and considered one of the best. It is mostly written from the Confederate perspective.

If Tanner's book is considered one of the best than I think I will try it out. Thank you!

Correct me if I am wrong but I think Tanner's book was reprinted several years ago with new materials. David.

Tanner's book was indeed updated in a revised edition and reprinted in the 1990's; that is the edition you should look for, not the original edition. Its primary drawback is that it is told from a mainly Confederate perspective as ErnieMac says; I've read both editions but not Cozzens and recommend Tanner's second edition. For a shorter view David Martin's is less than half as long and covers all the bases if what you want is an overview.

 

[Jimklag]

I have three books on Jackson's Valley Campaign:

• Stonewall in the Valley by Robert Tanner.
• Shenandoah 1862 by Peter Cozzens
• Conquering the Valley by Robert Krick.

Tanner's book was written in 1975 and considered one of the best. It is mostly written from the Confederate perspective. Cozzens wrote paying more attention to the Union side, but is considered by some to have denigrated Jackson's personality and accomplishments. Conquering the Valley concentrates on the latter days of the campaign, focusing on Cross Keys and Port Republic.

I have the same three - all good reads.

 

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

I quite liked Cozzens book on the campaign - possibly his best work IMO. His criticism of Stonewall is a bit harsh, but seems largely justified. The bloom is off Stonewall's rose and has been for at least a decade or two in professional historian circles.

I haven't read anyone other books focusing on the campaign to compare it with.