Spies, Scouts, and Raiders: Irregular Operations

The Civil War #18

by Time-Life Books

The first three chapters covers the intelligence gathering of both sides and the operations of spies, along with brief biographies of several individuals involved with these operations. The fourth chapter describes the Confederate partisan ranger units of Virginia, while the last chapter covers the guerilla warfare of the Trans-Mississippi Theater.

Genres: History, Civil War, American Civil War, Military History, Nonfiction, War

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a unique and well-researched account of irregular warfare practiced by both sides during the Civil War. This book mentions the spy-networking, intelligence gathering, signals, message decoding and ciphering, cracking cryptograms, and large-scale sabotage (like how to wreck a railroad and warp the rails, pg. 90-105).

The massacre of Lawrence, Kansas and the jayhawker-bushwacker war of the Kansas-Missouri guerrilla conflict is mentions as well. A photographic segment of 'Fantastic Weapons to End the War' mentions grenades, aerial bombs, projectiles, the Gatling gun, and a iron-clad phalanx are mentioned in pgs. 162-171.

I thought this was a superb book in this series. I enjoyed 'Tenting Tonight: The Soldier's Life' and 'Confederate Ordeal: The Southern Home Front' just as much as this one. Thanks!

[Heinz Reinhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, honestly enjoyable, look at the clandestine-special operations aspect of the War Between the States. Part of the Time-Life Civil War set from the mid 80's, this volume looks at the actions, from both sides, of spies, Intelligence agents, ciphers, insurgents, and raiders.
None of the topics mentioned are covered in any sense of depth, but as an introduction to the topic, I will maintain that this book is invaluable. Far more than just on the battlefield between large, regular armies, the War was waged in the shadows, and in the small scale, and often it got ugly and dark.
This is also a tale of courageous women, due to the nature of the War mostly Southern, who aided the war effort both directly as spies (and even sabateours) but also with their wits as double agents and information collectors.
Both sides developed intricate intelligence operations in a very short time span, and this American legacy in the shadows carries over to today with our sprawling intelligence agencies in the here and now. The War saw an incredible amount of innovation in the use of information gathering and in deception, so those who assume the War Between the States can't be used as a teaching tool for things clandestine, should dig deeper.
The book showcases the likes of Col. Mosby, easily the most famous, and successful, Confederate guerrilla leader in the war, some of whose stirring exploits are recounted here. If Mosby fought a mostly clean war, however, the likes of the Kansas Jayhawkers and the Missouri Bushwhackers are a case study in the dark side of American war fighting, and the descent into tit for tat atrocities that war often becomes. Jim Lane, Quantrill, and Bloody Bill Anderson make their appearances here.
This isn't an exhaustive book, at best it serves as a primer. But like all the Time-Life series, it's very well written, highly engaging, well illustrated, and a joy to read.
Highly recommended if you can still find a copy.

[David Lister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good chapter on the Border War if you’re interested in Kansas-Missouri history

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explores the no-traditional forces of the American Civil War on both sides. Gives a different perspective of the war and the people who fought it.

[David Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty good with more fleshing out of the Scouts, Spies etc. than I've read before.

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has belonged in my home library since I subscribed to the series in 1985. I always enjoyed the historical pictures and now I take the time to read the well-written text.