Guide to the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign - (U.S. Army War College Guides to Civil War Battles) by Charles R Jr Bowery & Ethan S Rafuse (Paperback)

About the Book

The most thorough and accurate guide book available for one of the most complex and prolonged campaigns of the Civil War by two experts in military history and Civil War battlefield sites.

Book Synopsis

Lasting from June 1864 through April 1965, the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign was the longest of the Civil War, dwarfing even the Atlanta and Vicksburg campaigns in its scope and complexity. This compact yet comprehensive guide allows armchair historian and battlefield visitor alike to follow the campaign's course, with a clear view of its multi-faceted strategic, operation, tactical, and human dimensions.

A concise, single-volume collection of official reports and personal accounts, the guide is organized in one-day and multi-day itineraries that take the reader to all the battlefields of the campaign, some of which have never before been interpreted and described for the visitor so extensively. Comprehensive campaign and battle maps reflect troop movements, historical terrain features, and modern roads for ease of understanding and navigation. A uniquely useful resource for the military enthusiast and the battlefield traveler, this is the essential guide for anyone hoping to see the historic landscape and the human face of this most decisive campaign of the Civil War.

Review Quotes

"A stellar contribution to the long and excellent tradition of the U.S. Army War College Guides that covers one of the most important campaigns of the Civil War. The authors' organization and contextualization of their story are superbly done and the maps are outstanding, among the best I have ever seen depicting the action and topography of the Richmond Petersburg battle sites."--Earl Hess, author of Into the Crater: The Mine Attack at Petersburg

"A much needed edition on the final campaign to capture Richmond and Petersburg. This book brings together the events on both sides of the James River enabling readers to understand this very complex and prolonged military event."--Chris Bryce, Chief of Interpretation, Petersburg National Battlefield

"The most thorough, detailed, and accurate books of their kind. Indeed, they are unique. I have used them to lead guided tours of several battlefields, with great success."--James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom

"A valuable, long overdue contribution to Civil War studies."--Army History

"Anyone, even the more seasoned Civil War buff or the veteran historian is likely to be able to learn something new about the campaign."--New York Military Affairs Symposium

"This is a marvelous guidebook, bringing clarity and order to the complex bloody ten month decisive campaign from June 1864 to April 1865. It is highly recommended . . . for any student of the Civil War who desires to learn and understand the decisive, ending campaign of the War."--Blue & Gray Magazine

"Bowery and Rafuse have produced an exceptional guide that is sure to be toted to the battlefields again and again. They have cleverly imposed order on a campaign that perhaps, after this guide, will elude us no more."--Civil War News

"Civil War battlefield stompers will want to pick this one up, and just in time for the 150th anniversary of the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign."--Beyond the Crater