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marina_rose's review against another edition
Listened to this one as an audiobook since non-fiction history can be harder for me to get through in book form.
This was a really interesting book to listen to at the time of the Charlottesville march. I don't think the book adequately addressed Jackson's "redemption," as indicated by the title. I think it would be interesting/relevant to discuss how Jackson's legacy has changed over the years, and how the author thinks Jackson would react to that legacy. I also thought the author's (brief) argument that the Virginians weren't fighting to preserve slavery was unconvincing.
This was a really interesting book to listen to at the time of the Charlottesville march. I don't think the book adequately addressed Jackson's "redemption," as indicated by the title. I think it would be interesting/relevant to discuss how Jackson's legacy has changed over the years, and how the author thinks Jackson would react to that legacy. I also thought the author's (brief) argument that the Virginians weren't fighting to preserve slavery was unconvincing.
ksull95's review against another edition
5.0
Just amazing. In his short life (he died at just 39) Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson made such an incredible impact on the lives of those who served with and under him. His death at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863 was undoubtedly a blow to the Confederacy and greatly impacted the ability of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia to maintain whatever momentum it had gained up until that point. This book does a wonderful job of bringing the personality and essence of Jackson to life on the page, and explores the lesser known aspects of his private life that never quite seemed to coalesce with his military persona. Loved every page of it.
javedd1993's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent book, but it was a bit too heavy on its praise of Jackson while not giving enough attention to his flaws.
iymain's review against another edition
2.0
What a slog! I feel as though I dragged my own sorry self through the entirety of the Civil War. (I suppose that means the account was well written.) Jackson comes across as a hero of almost supernatural ability and a brilliant tactician. He has a dual nature: sweet, funny, and loving at home; cold, taciturn, and ruthless at work. At times it seems Lee and Davis just relied on Jackson to handle the whole war.
(Spoiler alert: Jackson dies, and the South loses the war.) ;-)
The final chapter in which Gwynn hints at the alt-reality of a triumphant South had Jackson not died gave me the heebie jeebies. Let us not forget that the man fought to preserve a way of life that included slavery. Yes, the North had its problems (lame-ass military leaders to name one), but I believe we have to Just Say No to a culture that denies the humanity of black people. Then again, based on the tiki torch wielding marchers in Charlottesville, it occurs to me that this may not be the moral absolute I take it to be. THAT's problematic.
My copy had several corrections penned in by a former reader. That detracted from the book as well. I could have glided right past it, but when I took the time to check their veracity, it was disappointing how frequently the author botched dates and locations. :-/
(Spoiler alert: Jackson dies, and the South loses the war.) ;-)
The final chapter in which Gwynn hints at the alt-reality of a triumphant South had Jackson not died gave me the heebie jeebies. Let us not forget that the man fought to preserve a way of life that included slavery. Yes, the North had its problems (lame-ass military leaders to name one), but I believe we have to Just Say No to a culture that denies the humanity of black people. Then again, based on the tiki torch wielding marchers in Charlottesville, it occurs to me that this may not be the moral absolute I take it to be. THAT's problematic.
My copy had several corrections penned in by a former reader. That detracted from the book as well. I could have glided right past it, but when I took the time to check their veracity, it was disappointing how frequently the author botched dates and locations. :-/
mardiggity's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great read. Andy and I inadvertently stalked Stonewall Jackson on our honeymoon trip to dc a few years ago and I've since been intrigued by Jackson. This book moved quickly and gave a great overview of this confederate leader. It was well written. Described the battles and made me feel like I was there. It gave info that I didn't know which is always a good sign. Gwynne did a great job!
covertocovergirl's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating complicated man of intense faith. This biography was a page turner so to speak... I couldn‘t stop listening. A narrative rich in civil war detail. Highly recommend. Gwynne's writing style is fluid and wonderful. I didn't want it to end.
guillaumeguy's review against another edition
5.0
Great book if you are into the civil war and his most gifted and eccentric general: stonewall Jackson