Helpful Score: 1
Many books on the Civil War reference William Russell's dispatches from the U.S. and the Confederacy at the beginning of the Civil War. For whatever reason, I received a false impression of his stand on many aspects of the American conflict.
Upon reading the description of the book above, I think I know why I was mislead. Previous editions apparently left out his social commentary. Militarily, Russell was not impressed with the early Federal Army and the men who commanded it, whereas he was more favorably impressed with Confederate military efforts and morale. However, when you add his social comments, the entire tone of the book changes. One wonders if previous editors deliberately removed the social comments to make Russell's diary seem more favorable to the South.
I am so glad I finally read it, as it is well written and entertaining. Russell expresses honest and reasonable impressions of his meetings with major military and political figures, as well as the common men and women of both sides.
I highly recommend this book to Civil War readers.
Upon reading the description of the book above, I think I know why I was mislead. Previous editions apparently left out his social commentary. Militarily, Russell was not impressed with the early Federal Army and the men who commanded it, whereas he was more favorably impressed with Confederate military efforts and morale. However, when you add his social comments, the entire tone of the book changes. One wonders if previous editors deliberately removed the social comments to make Russell's diary seem more favorable to the South.
I am so glad I finally read it, as it is well written and entertaining. Russell expresses honest and reasonable impressions of his meetings with major military and political figures, as well as the common men and women of both sides.
I highly recommend this book to Civil War readers.
