What do You think about Grant And Sherman: The Friendship That Won The Civil War (2006)?
This book is one of the most readable and interesting histories of the Civil War that I have had the pleasure to read. This is an excellent read with excellent insights into the personalities and temperaments of the two great Union generals in the Civil War.The strength of this book is that the narrative is very compelling and easy to read. This book is very well-written and enjoyable, and examines a very important, though sometimes underestimated, relationship between the two men who arguably did more to win the Civil War than anybody else. The thing that most impresses me about these men is their unfailing loyalty to each other and seeming lack of selfish ambition, and Flood does a great job of profiling this. Flood keeps the pace quick and interesting and anyone who enjoys reading about the Civil War should enjoy this book. I particularly enjoyed reading about the more personal aspects of Grant and Sherman's lives and Flood devotes a good amount of time not only to their friendship but also to that of their families.Some errors:Example: page 362 states that Seminary Ridge was a battle fought in the West. Come on! Seriously? Page 219 states that Sheridan was brought South to help the beseiged Union soldiers at Chattanooga...Wrong again! Page 160 says that the Battle of Fort Hudson was part of the Red River Campaign.in describing Pickett's charge at Gettysburg Lee is described as sending his men "up Cemetery Ridge." Later his men "come staggering down the slope," suggesting that the charge was, indeed, made on a hill. Now of course Gettysburg is an aside to the real topic of this work, but I would think that anyone who'd written a biography on Lee would no that the charge was NOT made on a hill. Reading that Sherman "agreed" with the misquote attributed to Sheridan after the war (the only good Indian is a dead Indian) left me scratching my head-to my knowledge neither Sherman nor Sheridan ever admitted the comment was even made, much less that Sherman agreed with it.But in all, an excellent book.
—Jerome
This is one of the best and most difinitive books on the Civil War. It shows clearly that why the Armies of the East were making great news the war was being one a step at a time by the brillant of Grant and the support of Sherman.It's truly amazing how 2 commanders coming from such low begining were through their wit and talent able to raise to the top. The is a great chronicle of the Civil War as you learn of the many great battles whose memory has slipped away with time.It is a powerful book on the determination of our Nations leaders to keep the Union together and the high price they paid.I think one of the greatest parts of the book was of the Friendship between Grant and Sherman. It shows how each one was there for the other in the time on need and how the always put other ahead of self.If you don't read another book on the Civil War this is the one to read.
—Joseph
Flood has a gift to write both factually interesting and emotionally gripping.The book almost reads like a novel and Grant and Sherman appear in the lines somewhat larger than life. Their friendship, supporting each other almost unconditionally during the whole of the Civil War, forms them in an unbeatable team on the Union side.Not being specially well versed in American history, it is an incredible story how both men were more or less down and out before the war and four years later were the defining characters of the war.What strikes me most, apart from their successes in battle, is their modesty, certainly Grant, whom power does not seem to corrupt him.The description of the victory parade through Washington, shortly after the assasination of Lincoln, is a very moving end of the book. When you close your eyes, you can see, smell and hear the thousands of men marching over Pennsylvania Avenue.
—Bas Kreuger
