Shenandoah Summer - by Scott C Patchan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Jubal A. Early's disastrous battles in the Shenandoah Valley ultimately resulted in his ignominious dismissal. But Early's lesser-known summer campaign of 1864, between his raid on Washington and Phil Sheridan's renowned fall campaign, had a significant impact on the political and military landscape of the time. By focusing on military tactics and battle history in uncovering the facts and events of these little-understood battles, Scott C. Patchan offers a new perspective on Early's contributions to the Confederate war effort-and to Union battle plans and politicking. Patchan details the previously unexplored battles at Rutherford's Farm and Kernstown (a pinnacle of Confederate operations in the Shenandoah Valley) and examines the campaign's influence on President Lincoln's reelection efforts. He also provides insights into the personalities, careers, and roles in Shenandoah of Confederate general John C. Breckinridge, Union general George Crook, and Union colonel James A. Mulligan, with his "fighting Irish" brigade from Chicago. Finally, Patchan reconsiders the ever-colorful and controversial Early himself, whose importance in the Confederate military pantheon this book at last makes clear. Scott C. Patchan, a Civil War battlefield guide and historian, is the author of Forgotten Fury: The Battle of Piedmont, Virginia, and a consultant and contributing writer for Shenandoah, 1862.

Review Quotes

"The author's descriptions of the battles are very detailed, full of regimental level action and individual incidents. He bases the accounts on commendable research in manuscript collections, newspapers, published memoirs and regimental histories, and secondary works. The words of the participants, quoted often by the author, give the narrative an immediacy."--Jeffry D. Wert, Civil War News
-- (4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM)

"Shenandoah Summer provides readers with detailed combat action, colorful character portrayals, and sound strategic analysis. Patchan's book succeeds in reminding readers that there is still plenty to write about when it comes to the American Civil War."--John Deppen, Blue & Grey Magazine

"The reality of the "neighbor versus neighbor" conflict explored in the pages of this monograph make it a worthwhile read for historians of the Shenandoah Valley, the battles of 1864, or the overarching military scope of the Civil War."--Gregory R. Jones, Northwest Ohio History

"[Shenandoah Summer] contains excellent diagrams and maps of every battle and is recommended reading for those who have a passion for books on the Civil War."--Waterline-- (9/14/2007 12:00:00 AM)

"[Scott Patchan] is a 'boots-on-the-ground' historian, who works not just in archives but also in the sun and the rain and tall grass. Patchan's mastery of the topography and the battlefields of the Valley is what sets him apart and, together with his deep research, gives his analysis of the campaign an unimpeachable authority."--William J. Miller, author of Mapping for Stonewall and Great Maps of the Civil War-- (9/3/2006 12:00:00 AM)

"Scott C. Patchan has solidified his position as the leading authority of the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign with his outstanding campaign study, Shenandoah Summer. Mr. Patchan not only unearths this vital portion of the campaign, he has brought it back to life with a crisp and suspenseful narrative. His impeccable scholarship, confident analyses, spellbinding battle scenes, and wonderful character portraits will captivate even the most demanding readers. Shenandoah Summer is a must read for the Civil War aficionado as well as for students and scholars of American military history."--Gary Ecelbarger, author of "We Are in for It!" The First Battle of Kernstown, March 23, 1862-- (8/15/2006 12:00:00 AM)

"Scott Patchan has given us a definitive account of the 1864 Valley Campaign. In clear prose and vivid detail, he weaves a spellbinding narrative that bristles with detail but never loses sight of the big picture. This is a campaign narrative of the first order."--Gordon C. Rhea, author of The Battle of the Wilderness: May 5-6, 1864-- (5/8/2006 12:00:00 AM)

"The narrative is interesting and readable, with chapters of a digestible length covering many of the battles of the campaign."--Curled Up With a Good Book-- (8/31/2007 12:00:00 AM)

http: //crossedsabers.blogspot.com/2009/12/review-shenandoah-summer.html-- (12/17/2009 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Scott C. Patchan, a Civil War battlefield guide and historian, is the author of Forgotten Fury: The Battle of Piedmont and a consultant and contributing writer for Shenandoah, 1862.