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angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
5.0
This was a phenomenally good book. One of the better biographies and one of the best Civil War books I've read in a long time. Gave me a whole different perspective on Jackson. His fame. His affect on the war. His reason for being in the war. Initiated a more compelling and rational reason that most Southerns were in the war. And of course stirred up all the "what if's" if he hadn't died the when he did.
yojimbo96's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
When it is not bogged down by troop movements, this book is an interesting look at Stonewall Jackson’s life. It would be better if if dove deeper into his beliefs on slavery, the Union, religion, etc. While there is some explanation of his beliefs there is not enough to call this book a proper redemption. Despite that, it is still worth the read.
wjcalvert's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
wdudley89's review against another edition
4.0
I learned a tremendous amount from this book. I especially enjoyed the sections devoted to understanding Jackson's distinctive character. Some stretches describing the unfolding of battles were, although well-written, overly detailed for me. This prevented the book from being one that I couldn't put down, but I still recommend it. I intend to read this author's book on the Comanche, which is also highly regarded.
carriebethreads's review against another edition
5.0
Much of my understanding of the Civil War has been shaped by the political flames of modern culture . That is a mistake, and one I’m working to correct. Was slavery abhorrent and evil, yes. Did everyone who fought for the South fight FOR slavery, no. Jackson was a fascinating man and I’m glad I took the time to read this book and get this information. Do I stop here and set my opinions in stone? Nope. More books, more points of view, more knowledge.
emilybryk's review against another edition
4.0
Largely excellent, meticulously done.
My only issue is that, once the war begins, we occasionally (often?) fall into the Civil War Book trap of devoting more time to movements of troops and battle maps than to the actions of the person the book is actually about. I think that, for lots of big time Civil War buffs, this is really the core anyway, so maybe it's not even a flaw, but I'm here for the biographical, rather than the battle-analysis, aspect.
My only issue is that, once the war begins, we occasionally (often?) fall into the Civil War Book trap of devoting more time to movements of troops and battle maps than to the actions of the person the book is actually about. I think that, for lots of big time Civil War buffs, this is really the core anyway, so maybe it's not even a flaw, but I'm here for the biographical, rather than the battle-analysis, aspect.