Booknotes (November '12)

New Arrivals:

1. The Fight for the Yazoo, August 1862-July 1864: Swamps, Forts and Fleets on Vicksburg's Northern Flank by Myron J. Smith, Jr. (McFarland, 2012).

Those familiar with Smith's many other books dealing with naval vessels and campaigns on the western rivers will know what to expect from his new book in terms of depth of research and operational detail. The Fight for the Yazoo covers various recon expeditions, Chickasaw Bayou, Yazoo Pass, Steele's Bayou and a host of other actions associated with the approach of Union troops on Vicksburg and after the capture of the Hill City.

2. The Great Blue Army Wagon by Thomas Lindmier (Carriage Museum of America, 2012).

There are many books about Civil War era weapons, uniforms, and equipment but I don't recall any studies of wagons. This oversize paperback covers horse drawn transport before, during, and after the Civil War, and is pretty brief, but it is packed with nerdy wagon stuff.