War at Every Door - (Civil War America) by Noel C Fisher (Paperback)

About the Book

War at Every Door: Partisan Politics and Guerrilla Violence in East Tennessee, 1860-1869

Book Synopsis

One of the most divided regions of the Confederacy, East Tennessee was the site of fierce Unionist resistance to secession, Confederate rule, and the Southern war effort. It was also the scene of unrelenting 'irregular, ' or guerrilla, warfare between Union and Confederate supporters, a conflict that permanently altered the region's political, economic, and social landscape. In this study, Noel Fisher examines the military and political struggle for control of East Tennessee from the secession crisis through the early years of Reconstruction, focusing particularly on the military and political significance of the region's irregular activity. Fisher portrays in grim detail the brutality and ruthlessness employed not only by partisan bands but also by Confederate and Union troops under constant threat of guerrilla attack and government officials frustrated by unstinting dissent. He demonstrates that, generally, guerrillas were neither the romantic, daring figures of Civil War legend nor mere thieves and murderers, but rather were ordinary men and women who fought to live under a government of their choice and to drive out those who did not share their views.

Review Quotes

[Fisher's] presentation is balanced in a topic area where it is easy to become a partisan of one side to the controversy. His writing is clear, and his account is succinct and to the point. ("American Historical Review")

Ample reference material and statistics complement the text in a superb effort to integrate war and society from which we can learn much more about our Civil War--not necessarily the Civil War of 'Gettysburg' or even 'Gone with the Wind, ' but perhaps a 'real civil war' within our traditionally understood conflict. ("Civil War Courier")

An important contribution to our understanding of the Civil War in a border area of the upper South. ("Journal of American History")

Fisher is to be commended for bringing the war in east Tennessee to light. His text is well written and very well researched. ("Civil War News")

Well researched and clearly written, this book will become the standard history of partisan warfare in east Tennessee. ("Choice")

ÝFisher's¨ presentation is balanced in a topic area where it is easy to become a partisan of one side to the controversy. His writing is clear, and his account is succinct and to the point. ("American Historical Review")