Men of Fire: Book Critique
I. Introduction:
Jack Hurst, the author of Men of Fire: Grant Forrest, and the Campaign That
Decided the Civil War wonderfully portrays the trials of the Union and Confederate soldiers during the campaigns of the Civil War. Mr. Hurst has published two other books about the Civil War, as well as serving as a journalist for several noteworthy newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, the Nashville Tennessean, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Not only is he very reliable with his information about the Civil War, but he also descends from both Union and Confederate soldiers. There are very few men that would be better suited to write about the Civil War than Jack Hurst.
II. Summary
Men of Fire accurately portrays the roles of Ulysses S. Grant and Nathan Bedford Forrest in the deciding campaign of the Civil War, as well as the political warfare that was involved between competing military officers. The book addresses five major points in five sections titled Reconnaissance, Fort Henry, Battle for Nashville, Spoils, and Aftermaths.
Reconnaissance explains the background of the different officers involved in the deciding campaign of the civil war. It elaborates on their upbringing, careers, and previous military experience. It also …show more content…
Reading this work greatly increased my understanding of the various factors involved in the Civil War, such as proper leadership, advanced equipment, preparedness, and military tactics. Though the information was very useful, there was just too much of it. Many times throughout the work, small seemingly insignificant facts or persons would be explained in great detail, even if it was not quite necessary. The facts presented would often provide tangents for nearly a full chapter, straying from the main ideas. Although this book is difficult to read, I would recommend it to those that are seeking an accurate, detailed account of the major campaigns of the Civil
I. Introduction:
Jack Hurst, the author of Men of Fire: Grant Forrest, and the Campaign That
Decided the Civil War wonderfully portrays the trials of the Union and Confederate soldiers during the campaigns of the Civil War. Mr. Hurst has published two other books about the Civil War, as well as serving as a journalist for several noteworthy newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, the Nashville Tennessean, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Not only is he very reliable with his information about the Civil War, but he also descends from both Union and Confederate soldiers. There are very few men that would be better suited to write about the Civil War than Jack Hurst.
II. Summary
Men of Fire accurately portrays the roles of Ulysses S. Grant and Nathan Bedford Forrest in the deciding campaign of the Civil War, as well as the political warfare that was involved between competing military officers. The book addresses five major points in five sections titled Reconnaissance, Fort Henry, Battle for Nashville, Spoils, and Aftermaths.
Reconnaissance explains the background of the different officers involved in the deciding campaign of the civil war. It elaborates on their upbringing, careers, and previous military experience. It also …show more content…
Reading this work greatly increased my understanding of the various factors involved in the Civil War, such as proper leadership, advanced equipment, preparedness, and military tactics. Though the information was very useful, there was just too much of it. Many times throughout the work, small seemingly insignificant facts or persons would be explained in great detail, even if it was not quite necessary. The facts presented would often provide tangents for nearly a full chapter, straying from the main ideas. Although this book is difficult to read, I would recommend it to those that are seeking an accurate, detailed account of the major campaigns of the Civil