Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, And Redemption Of Stonewall Jackson (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
The author writes well, but is too free with his opinions. I prefer being presented with the facts and then reaching my own conclusion. I felt the author became Jackson's "press agent" sometime during the first quarter of the book and it got more slanted from there. I did agree with some of the author's points and did gain a new perspective on Jackson the independent commander vs Jackson the subordinate, but as someone who has studied the Civil War all of his adult life, I found the adulation a bit tedious by the end of the book.Gwynne is a gifted writer and storyteller and this saves the book. He could have used more primary source quotes from Jackson himself to support his writing and lead us to the questions he wanted to explore. He uses Jackson's letters to bring the general humanity and is successful in doing this.In the end, the author handles Jackson with kid gloves. This is a good survey book and will please those whose hearts lie with one side, but as serious history, it is somewhat deficient. Who was Stonewall Jackson, and what were his accomplishments? What did he believe, and did his walk match his talk? S. C. Gwynne answers these questions in his new book, Rebel Yell. Gwynne provides background on Jackson’s early life to give the reader a clear picture of Jackson’s marvelous transformation from a mild-mannered school teacher into the fire-breathing Confederate general who struck fear into the hearts of his opponents.Rebel Yell offers blow by blow descriptions of the major battles of the Civil War in which Jackson participated. Civil War buffs will enjoy reading these accounts which cover troop movements, casualty tolls, and next steps after each battle. The book is easy to read although I bogged down in a few battle descriptions. Maps accompanying the text help the reader identify the participants on both sides.The book quotes from personal and official correspondence to give the reader a clear picture of Jackson’s mindset during the bloody conflicts. Gwynne did a masterful job painting this portrait, and I learned much about Jackson I did not know. My time with Rebel Yell was a solid reading investment.
What do You think about Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, And Redemption Of Stonewall Jackson (2014)?
Fabulous biography of Jackson and one of the best Civil War books I have read. A terrific read!
—oluwaseun2
I have an affinity for Southern themes. Besides, I was born in this man's house.
—Lea
Fantastic! If you have any interest at all in the civil war you will enjoy it.
—ajes_bffl
The last book I read on Jackson was in 1996. This was just as good.
—allykat
