Booknotes: And Rest Under The Shade Of The Trees

New Arrival:

• And Rest Under The Shade Of The Trees: Essays In Honor of James I. Robertson, Jr. edited by Steven E. Woodworth, Christopher L. Jones, and Christopher J. Smith (Laurel Hill Pub, 2026).

Eminent Civil War historian James Irvin "Bud" Robertson Jr. passed away in 2019 at the age of 89. If you're around my age and serious interest in the ACW blossomed during the late-80s and throughout the 90s, heavies such as Robertson, Gary Gallagher, and Jack Davis were frequently encountered on both the written page and the television screen. Truth be told, I haven't read the majority of Robertson's books, but among those that I have read the Stonewall Jackson biography is the clear standout (a common feeling, I'm sure).

Earlier this year, Tom Perry's Laurel Hill Publishing released And Rest Under The Shade Of The Trees: Essays In Honor of James I. Robertson, Jr., edited by Steven Woodworth, Christopher Jones, and Christopher Smith. It honors Robertson "by bringing together a collection of essays that explore several aspects of the Civil War that were subjects of Bud's long and productive career of research, writing, and teaching."

The volume includes ten essays plus an epilogue from Robertson's widow, Elizabeth Lee Robertson. Along with the three co-editors, the list of chapter contributors includes William C. Davis, James Finck, Allen Guelzo, Akhil Rajasekar, David Snead, Emory Thomas, Brian Steel Wills, and Kelly Witherspoon.

In addition to the historical essays tied to themes drawn from a consideration of Robertson's career are perspectives and memories of Robertson himself. From the description: "From the high-ranking generals of the Civil War, to the gritty experiences of the soldiers in the ranks, to the travails of the civilians on the home front, this volume sheds new light on topics Bud might well have addressed had he lived longer, topics such as the real cause of Stonewall Jackson's death, a true understanding of the operational possibilities at the end of the Battle of Gettysburg, or the memory of the Confederacy in modern America. In addition, the book includes several reminiscences of Bud and his career, including his advisory role in the planning of the funeral of President John F. Kennedy." Click on the Read Sample button at the title link above to find the full table of contents.