A Single Grand Victory - (American Crisis Series: Books on the Civil War Era) by Ethan S Rafuse (Paperback)

About the Book

More than 800 men lost their lives and 2,700 were wounded. Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson earned his legendary nickname "Stonewall" here as fellow Confederate General Barnard Bee, later fatally wounded in the battle, shouted, "Yonder stands Jackson like a stone wall!" B...

Book Synopsis

More than 800 men lost their lives and 2,700 were wounded. Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson earned his legendary nickname "Stonewall" here as fellow Confederate General Barnard Bee, later fatally wounded in the battle, shouted, "Yonder stands Jackson like a stone wall!" Both the North and the South believed that a single victory in this first major battle would decide the war before it barely started. Yet the first battle of Manassas, or Bull Run, has not received nearly the same attention as the other major clashes of the Civil War.

A Single Grand Victory is a highly readable, concise, comprehensive narrative by Ethan S. Rafuse, professor of history at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Rafuse worked as a park ranger at Bull Run, where he gained great familiarity with the site and the literature on this battle. His new book incorporates insights offered in recent scholarship on Civil War military, political, and cultural history.

The author describes the factors that led President Abraham Lincoln to order an offensive against Confederates at Manassas Junction at a time when his most prominent military men advised against it. The war policies of both the Union and Confederate sides are explained. Rafuse offers descriptions and analysis of the individuals involved and the circumstances that influenced the manner in which the campaign was conducted. He covers the critical events and operational and tactical decisions that shaped the campaign's course and outcome.

In addition, A Single Grand Victory provides insights into American life in the nineteenth century by examining what motivated men to fight in 1861 and describing what led both North and South to expect the war would be a short one. Southerners had anticipated that one victory like Bull Run would persuade the North to abandon the effort to restore the Union by force. Northerners believed support for the Confederate rebellion was so shallow that one battle would end the war.

Civil War buffs will enjoy this

Review Quotes

Ethan Rafuse has produced the book to read on First Manassas.

Ethan Rafuse'e A Single Grand Victory presents a notable account of the Civil War's first real battle. As part of the American Crisis Series, this work ably moves the reader through the social and political perceptions of impending battle, the decision-making of both military organizations, as well as the tangled conflict itself in a short, erudite volume. Throughout, Rafuse makes good use of well-established secondary and published primary sources. He is to be commended particularly for strong introductory chapters, attempting to place the unfolding of this particular battle within the volatile context of the day. Moreover, his discussion of battle is always clear and direct, providing rich detail without losing its narrative energy. It is a satisfying read, well-tailored to its mission of providing a succinct volume suitable for the enthusiast, student and novice alike.

The author has given us a sophisticated and exciting narrative of First Manassas, the campaign and battle that foretold a long and costly war for the Union and the Confederacy. Every page is alive with the tension and chaos of Americans-leaders, citizens, and soldiers-grappling with the political, social, and military challenges of warfare on a large scale, and of a shocking brutality, that few had ever imagined. A Single Grand Victory is a superb addition to the American Crisis series.

This book is an excellent overview of the battle that opened the Civil War and a good introduction to the war itself. It will appeal to a variety of readers.

Well written, judicious, and unfailingly interesting, A Single Grand Victory combines capable battle narrative with a firm grasp of the larger political context. Highly recommended.

About the Author

Ethan S. Rafuse is assistant professor of history at the United States Military Academy at West Point.