1. Lincoln and the Border States: Preserving the Union
by William C. Harris (UP of Kansas, 2011).I'm happy that Kansas sent me a review copy of this one. The Civil War in the border states (esp. Missouri and Kentucky) is my primary interest and I've had my eye on Harris's book for a long time. There have been some good studies released recently, including a nice look at civil rights in Missouri, but Harris surveys in a single volume the military, social, and political challenges presented by all of them to the maintenance of the Union war effort.
2. The C.S.S. Albemarle and William Cushing: The Remarkable Confederate Ironclad and the Union Officer Who Sank It
by Jim Stempel (McFarland, 2011).Given the thin bibliography, I have my doubts that this book will add much to what's already been written about Cushing and the Albemarle, which is a great story if you're not familiar with it.
Yes, the Cushing story is very fascinating. I enjoyed the History channel documentary on Cushing from a few years back. Really told the story well and for much less than there documentary on Gettysburg.
ReplyDeleteKinda surprising that his story has not been made into a historically accurate Action/Adventure movie.
I'll be interested to get your response to "Lincoln and the Border States." To me it came off as a collection of case studies looking for a summation, though the case studies were certainly all worthwhile.
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