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A review by tarmstrong112
Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War by S.C. Gwynne
2.0
A very interesting topic but an ultimately disappointing execution. The author's blatant pro-Southern bent infects this book from the start and it really hampers his ability to tell the story of the final year of the American Civil War. The notable commanders on the Union side (Grant, Sherman et al) are portrayed as extremely flawed or stupid people who could only win the war because they ultimately had more men and material while Confederate leaders (this author loves to pray at the alter of Lee; Forrest and Mosby are treated particularly well) are honourable men fighting their honourable cause. It's a tired and incorrect way to approach this topic and has been thoroughly debunked by better histories of the war.
The author's assertions about what actually happened during the surrender at Appomattox were interesting albeit face saving for the South. The Union generals come off as gloating idiots while the Southern generals come off as stoic, honourable men. It just all a bit off, and reading a different, perhaps less biased account of the events in this book would be beneficial to anyone interested in this interesting time in history. A disappointing book to say the least.
The author's assertions about what actually happened during the surrender at Appomattox were interesting albeit face saving for the South. The Union generals come off as gloating idiots while the Southern generals come off as stoic, honourable men. It just all a bit off, and reading a different, perhaps less biased account of the events in this book would be beneficial to anyone interested in this interesting time in history. A disappointing book to say the least.