Shiloh

[Admiral_Porter]

I have read Larry J Daniel's book but how does it compare to Wiley Sword's account?

The reviews on amazon.com indicate that Sword's book is superior but I would like further input.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sword's book on Franklin and Nashville but Daniel's Shiloh book left me confused at times.

 

[ole]

It's been a while, Admiral, but ---

Daniel's book is newer, so presumably has some newer research in it. However, it's hard to beat Sword for a great read.

Ole

 

[johan_steele]

I'm a big fan of Sword because I like his writting style and I appreciate the depth of his research. I have a problem w/ any author that confuses me. I disliked Daniels book because of this, in fact I never finished it. To tell the truth I can't really specifically point out what I didn't like... Get it through the library before you buy it.

 

[Admiral_Porter]

I agree Steele.

Daniel's book was good until the fighting started and then I got confused with the way he jumps all over the place. The maps were of little help either.

This confusion factor is one reason why I don't like Cozzens.

 

[samgrant]

Well as to the paucity of books about Shiloh, I just happened upon this forthcoming book:

http://www.amazon.com/SHILOH-WESTERN-CAMPAIGN-Edward-Cunningham/dp/1932714278


Whadda ya think?

 

[larry_cockerham]

I ain't sure what paucity means, but I have a little book hidden in my piles somehwere called IN HELL BEFORE NIGHT which I still frequently see on shelves that is a very excellent account of the battle with mapping and photos. I've been to the park maybe three times in the last 20 years and never cease to be awed by the place. This copy has a red cover and is paperback. I mostly buy the cheap ones. Shane's tip about the library is something to consider.

 

[larry_cockerham]

Sam, reading the history of the 'authors' in the summary, it doesn't jump right out as a work of folks who are overly identified with the place. Just a hunch. I'd wait for a library copy myself unless I'd read all the other stuff.

 

[ewc]

I, too, didn't like Daniels work; I agree with the chief complaint that it is confusing. I grew more and more frustrated with the book as I went along and finally ditched it without finishing. Something else about Daniel's writing I objected to is he appears to be one of those extremely critical types who from time to time turn up to plague one's life. He finds fault with everyone and everything, and he himself must point out and criticize every little thing he doesn't like and kick every dog in sight. I'll go for my history elsewhere and will never recommend this book or its author to anyone.

That Shiloh and Western Campaigns book does entice. I'd like to hear more on it; in fact, I'm going to keep an eye out for it, and that book Larry mentions.

 

[ole]

"In Hell Before Night" is a McDonough book. I appreciated Manning Force's little work, "From Fort Henry to Corinth." Not nuch detail but an excellent overview from a man who was there. For understanding Shiloh, you really must walk the ground. Swamps and ravines and open fields take on a new meaning when you look at them.
Ole

 

[samgrant]

Just now reading Shiloh: Bloody April in anticipation of my visit, there are two vignetts which impressed me.

1) At or near Rhea field, Lieutenant John Crowley, 11th Louisiana Inf. "was struck by a an exploding shell that ripped off his left arm. Since his right arm had been amputated on the field of Belmont the preceeding November, Crowley was now armless." That's a terrible fate and I wonder whatever became of Crowley.

2) In a lull in the action at the "Hornet's Nest", Captain Andrew Hickenlooper while reorienting his artillery, "still riding his bloody white horse, looked up with amazement to see his sixty-five year old father, who he assumed was back home n Ohio. Later he learned that his father had enlisted the aid of a friend to join and Ohio cavalry regiment and thus be near his son."

 

[ole]

There are a million stories in the naked city ,,,, and in Shiloh. It's such forgettable details that make a chef (errrr, interesting historian).

 

[larry_cockerham]

"In Hell Before Night" is a McDonough book. I appreciated Manning Force's little work, "From Fort Henry to Corinth." Not nuch detail but an excellent overview from a man who was there. For understanding Shiloh, you really must walk the ground. Swamps and ravines and open fields take on a new meaning when you look at them.
Ole

I was very favorably impressed with all of McDonough's work. He is thorough. I'm very much also in agreement with this statement that one must walk the ground at Shiloh. There is so much detail that can be easily absorbed since the spaces are 'enclosed' by the adjacent treed areas and other features that are easily identifiable. Spending some time in the battlefield and then visiting the cemetery will probably alter your opinion about the existence of spirits. Just looking at the Confederate burial grounds sends chills up my portly spine.