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Starbuck Chronicles #4
The Bloody Ground
This rousing and splendid Civil War series continues with the story of Nate Starblick as he serves under General Robert E. Lee himself, culminating in the famous, bloody battle of Antietam.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 8, 1996
200 people are currently reading
2300 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 12, 2020
Book 4, and last, in the Nat Starbuck series published 1996.
I love this series books concerning the American Civil War.
My one and only complaint is why did Mr. Cornwell stop the series half way through the war?
This episode concerns the Confederate forces incursion into the Unions homeland.
The Confederates and the Union armies meet for battle in the small country town of Sharpsburg in what was to be the bloodiest confrontation of the war.
The Union army out numbered the Confederate forces by at least two to one and what should have been a rout from the Union turn into a battle of attrition where wholesale slaughter was visited on both sides. The Union forces were commanded by General McClelland who was to prove to be an indecisive, paranoid leader. As a result of his poor leadership what should have been a decisive victory for the Union was anything but. General Robert E. Lee was aloud to fight another day, which only resulted in further bloodshed.
Nat Starbuck is also at war and not only against the Union but against some of his own men who, for one reason or another, hate Starbuck with a vengeance and want to see him dead. So trying to evade death on two fronts Nat Starbuck, and you the reader, are in for one hell of a ride.
As usual Bernard Cornwell’s mixture of fact and fiction makes for fascinating entertaining reading.
A compelling 4 star read.
I love this series books concerning the American Civil War.
My one and only complaint is why did Mr. Cornwell stop the series half way through the war?
This episode concerns the Confederate forces incursion into the Unions homeland.
The Confederates and the Union armies meet for battle in the small country town of Sharpsburg in what was to be the bloodiest confrontation of the war.
The Union army out numbered the Confederate forces by at least two to one and what should have been a rout from the Union turn into a battle of attrition where wholesale slaughter was visited on both sides. The Union forces were commanded by General McClelland who was to prove to be an indecisive, paranoid leader. As a result of his poor leadership what should have been a decisive victory for the Union was anything but. General Robert E. Lee was aloud to fight another day, which only resulted in further bloodshed.
Nat Starbuck is also at war and not only against the Union but against some of his own men who, for one reason or another, hate Starbuck with a vengeance and want to see him dead. So trying to evade death on two fronts Nat Starbuck, and you the reader, are in for one hell of a ride.
As usual Bernard Cornwell’s mixture of fact and fiction makes for fascinating entertaining reading.
A compelling 4 star read.
October 6, 2021
Read this book in 2005, and its the 4th volume of the wonderful Nathaniel Starbuck series.
Its now late Summer AD 1862, and our main protagonist, Nathaniel Starbuck, veteran of the American Civil War for the South is not given at the head of the Faulconer Legion, but instead is given by his Southern enemies a command over a Punishment Battalion, a unit composed of failures and cowards.
Nate and his men must first confront the Northern garrison at Harper's Ferry and fight their way through, towards another bloody battle that will take a lot of lives.
This famous battle is the Battle of Antietam Creek, and it is such a devastating battle where twelve thousand men will lose their lives within three hours, and in this battle Starbuck has enemies not only when facing the North but also within his own unit as well, due to envy, hate, murder and ambition, and where simply to win is to survive this whole massacre in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is another glorious piece about the American Civil War and one that I would like to call as: "A Terrific Bloody Battlefield"!
Its now late Summer AD 1862, and our main protagonist, Nathaniel Starbuck, veteran of the American Civil War for the South is not given at the head of the Faulconer Legion, but instead is given by his Southern enemies a command over a Punishment Battalion, a unit composed of failures and cowards.
Nate and his men must first confront the Northern garrison at Harper's Ferry and fight their way through, towards another bloody battle that will take a lot of lives.
This famous battle is the Battle of Antietam Creek, and it is such a devastating battle where twelve thousand men will lose their lives within three hours, and in this battle Starbuck has enemies not only when facing the North but also within his own unit as well, due to envy, hate, murder and ambition, and where simply to win is to survive this whole massacre in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is another glorious piece about the American Civil War and one that I would like to call as: "A Terrific Bloody Battlefield"!
October 8, 2021
This Novel is the fourth and last installment of Nathaniel Starbuck Chronicles. This Novel takes the reader to the Civil War battles at Sharpsburg, beside Antietam Creek in Maryland. Nate is given command of mostly cowards and deserters. Needless to say, his task is daunting. Nate's orders are to meet up with Robert E. Lee's Army at Harper's Ferry in time for this historic battle. Once again, Mr. Cornwell delivers in this epic tale of Nate Starbuck and The Civil War.
October 13, 2024
4.5 stars
August 11, 2020
Reading the Starbuck novels I’ve had rather a large curve of enthusiasm. With the first one I remembered why I love some of Cornwell’s books so much. The man knows how to create memorable characters, build atmosphere, and tell compelling action scenes. But after four books I’ve remembered why I’ve gotten bored of most of his other series. Bluntly, the serialized action/adventure novel is not for me.
By this point I can spot the series’ tricks. Because it always has the same ones: Starbuck finds himself at the forefront of one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War where he fights against all odds to overcome dirty tricks played on him by backroom politicians set on keeping him from leading his men. Meanwhile, disloyal men in his own command will try to get him killed to further their petty ambitions. And despite seeming personally triumphant in the end, the next book will find a way to return everything near enough to the status quo ante bellum that the whole process can continue again. I’d thought the last book was moving away from that, but no. And I find I just don’t care. It’s not a coincidence my favorite of his books are the standalone ones (Fools and Mortals, The Gallows Thief) or the limited series (The Warlord Trilogy, The Archer’s Tale). I hate reading the same thing happening over and over again in new variations.
So I think I’ve pretty much had it with this series, which is convenient since this is the last one published with no indication that more are on the way. The books may be continued in future, but if they are it will tell the same story minus the aspects I most enjoyed.
By this point I can spot the series’ tricks. Because it always has the same ones: Starbuck finds himself at the forefront of one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War where he fights against all odds to overcome dirty tricks played on him by backroom politicians set on keeping him from leading his men. Meanwhile, disloyal men in his own command will try to get him killed to further their petty ambitions. And despite seeming personally triumphant in the end, the next book will find a way to return everything near enough to the status quo ante bellum that the whole process can continue again. I’d thought the last book was moving away from that, but no. And I find I just don’t care. It’s not a coincidence my favorite of his books are the standalone ones (Fools and Mortals, The Gallows Thief) or the limited series (The Warlord Trilogy, The Archer’s Tale). I hate reading the same thing happening over and over again in new variations.
So I think I’ve pretty much had it with this series, which is convenient since this is the last one published with no indication that more are on the way. The books may be continued in future, but if they are it will tell the same story minus the aspects I most enjoyed.
June 7, 2015
I love Bernard Cornwell's Nathaniel Starbuck Chronicles! The only problem with them is they stop in mid-Civil War and since one hasn't been written in more than a decade, it is unlikely there will be another.
But each of these books captures the strategy and the battle movements better than many other fiction and non-fiction accounts of the war.
Starbuck is a bit of a rogue, which makes him more likeable. And Cornwell's research and background for each battle is astounding.
This time around, Starbuck is at the Battle of Antietam. His Rebel army continues to get smaller in the face of superior northern resources. But Starbuck fights on, giving hope that one day Cornwell will come to his senses and write another in this amazing series.
But each of these books captures the strategy and the battle movements better than many other fiction and non-fiction accounts of the war.
Starbuck is a bit of a rogue, which makes him more likeable. And Cornwell's research and background for each battle is astounding.
This time around, Starbuck is at the Battle of Antietam. His Rebel army continues to get smaller in the face of superior northern resources. But Starbuck fights on, giving hope that one day Cornwell will come to his senses and write another in this amazing series.
October 17, 2008
The Civil War ends with Sharpsburg???????????? This awesome account had a harrowing description of the West Woods/Miller's Cornfield fight. I'm still waiting (& hoping) that Mr. Cornwell will take the time to come back across the pond and do the necessary research to finish this series. Sharpe has all but run its course and this series deserves another shot. When I attended the 140th Anniversary Sharpsburg reenactment in 2002 I regaled my fellow 1st Texans with memories of this book.
December 12, 2013
The final volume of Cornwell's Civil War series is a bit stronger than the middle two but still feels like less-than-solid Sharpe stories. Taking the better known battle of Antietam is a good start as it enables Cornwell to tell a broader story of the battle with more identifiable set-pieces.
Getting there was a challenge as there's no real antagonist here. Starbuck's battles with his inept commander Washington Faulconer aren't that satisfying as Faulconer gets removed to Richmond and isn't really heard from. When Starbuck is given command of a battalion of rejects/stragglers (due to Faulconer), it had potential for some quality scenes where he whips them into shape, but it's more minor level staff officer backbiting and none of the foils for Starbuck are that challenging/memorable.
The best little scenes are Cornwell's dealing with how McClellan came to possess Lee's General Order
191 detailing the Confederate troop placements prior to the battle. It's inventive and entertaining.
But other than that, the characters here just aren't that memorable. You'd think Starbuck byt this volume have developed at least SOME sense of himself other than "I just like soldierin'" but it's not to be. We still have no idea why Starbuck is fighting for the South, neither does he and neither does Cornwell.
Getting there was a challenge as there's no real antagonist here. Starbuck's battles with his inept commander Washington Faulconer aren't that satisfying as Faulconer gets removed to Richmond and isn't really heard from. When Starbuck is given command of a battalion of rejects/stragglers (due to Faulconer), it had potential for some quality scenes where he whips them into shape, but it's more minor level staff officer backbiting and none of the foils for Starbuck are that challenging/memorable.
The best little scenes are Cornwell's dealing with how McClellan came to possess Lee's General Order
191 detailing the Confederate troop placements prior to the battle. It's inventive and entertaining.
But other than that, the characters here just aren't that memorable. You'd think Starbuck byt this volume have developed at least SOME sense of himself other than "I just like soldierin'" but it's not to be. We still have no idea why Starbuck is fighting for the South, neither does he and neither does Cornwell.
June 12, 2020
The American Civil War was a bitter struggle within a nation and the Battle of Antietam in 1862 proved to be the bloodiest day in America's history. In the cornfield, woods and surrounding area 12,000 men from both sides died in three terrible hours. Bernard Cornwell's hero Nathaniel Starbuck was one of the participants but he had not only to look out for the enemy, he also had to look out for those on his own side who would like to see him dead.
Starbuck, born in the north but fighting for the south, is given command of a battalion of deadbeats who are known as the Yellowlegs because they are a collection of cowards, deserters, murderers and thieves and he is determined to make something of them. He trains them up, despite their unwillingness, and sets off to join Lee's army and he arrives at Harper's Ferry just in time for his men to, reluctantly in some instances, take part in Stonewall Jackson's capture of the Union garrison. There follows a quiet spell in the battle as neither side wants to take the initiative and Starbuck pushes his views as to how they could have the Union ranks on the run to those in command. It is all to no avail as things quieten down, albeit briefly.
Then hostilities begin again and Starbuck takes his men on to Sharpsburg, close to the Antietam Creek, and the fighting, skirmishing and cannon fire becomes relentless. Starbuck urges his men to have courage and commitment and the battle ebbs and flows with both sides at one time seemingly having the upper hand. The Yellowlegs stand up to it all reasonably well, although the bad eggs in the battalion try to wreak their revenge on their commanders.
McClellan for the north takes a very conservative approach and at one point it seems as though the south will triumph but in the end the rebels falling back, but not totally retreating, gives the north the impetus to press on. And it is this going forward to the rebels backing off that enables the north to proclaim a victory and in its wake for Abraham Lincoln to make his Emancipation Proclamation. Although the north claim a victory, the south do not feel totally defeated. Admittedly Lee had been rebuffed ... but he was far from beaten and Starbuck would be with him in action once more.
'The Bloody Ground' is an all action novel and covers this single Civil War battle in great, and deadly, detail.
Starbuck, born in the north but fighting for the south, is given command of a battalion of deadbeats who are known as the Yellowlegs because they are a collection of cowards, deserters, murderers and thieves and he is determined to make something of them. He trains them up, despite their unwillingness, and sets off to join Lee's army and he arrives at Harper's Ferry just in time for his men to, reluctantly in some instances, take part in Stonewall Jackson's capture of the Union garrison. There follows a quiet spell in the battle as neither side wants to take the initiative and Starbuck pushes his views as to how they could have the Union ranks on the run to those in command. It is all to no avail as things quieten down, albeit briefly.
Then hostilities begin again and Starbuck takes his men on to Sharpsburg, close to the Antietam Creek, and the fighting, skirmishing and cannon fire becomes relentless. Starbuck urges his men to have courage and commitment and the battle ebbs and flows with both sides at one time seemingly having the upper hand. The Yellowlegs stand up to it all reasonably well, although the bad eggs in the battalion try to wreak their revenge on their commanders.
McClellan for the north takes a very conservative approach and at one point it seems as though the south will triumph but in the end the rebels falling back, but not totally retreating, gives the north the impetus to press on. And it is this going forward to the rebels backing off that enables the north to proclaim a victory and in its wake for Abraham Lincoln to make his Emancipation Proclamation. Although the north claim a victory, the south do not feel totally defeated. Admittedly Lee had been rebuffed ... but he was far from beaten and Starbuck would be with him in action once more.
'The Bloody Ground' is an all action novel and covers this single Civil War battle in great, and deadly, detail.
April 16, 2023
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
June 11, 2021
I think this was the strongest installment of this series since the first book, as it mixed up the action a bit and added some interesting new characters. The battle of Antietam was masterfully portrayed and was riveting throughout, despite it encompassing the final 100 pages of the book. I also enjoyed the realism of the tale, especially in regards of the death count and how several major and minor characters did not make it to the end of the book. Although I do not feel that any author is obligated to finish a book series, I'm nevertheless disappointed that Cornwell stopped writing this series in 1996, and has no plans to finish it.
August 18, 2018
Just finished THE BLOODY GROUND! Incredible detail of the Battle of Antietam. I occasionally had to put the book down to take a breath; the back and forth furor was so overwhelming. Truly disappointed when Adam Falconer was killed mid-way. So glad to learn that Starbuck survives for a Book 5!
July 28, 2023
I enjoyed this one, but like it's predecessor it's doesn't quite rise to the level of the first 2 in the series. I am sad that this is the final book of this series and that the author hasn't picked it up to finish the Starbuck Chronicles because this is really good Civil War fiction and I've enjoyed it a lot. I would love to know where the characters stories go and where they end up. Here's hoping the author decides to write additional books in this series/
September 9, 2023
This is so bittersweet! Now I have come to the end of this series, and I can understand the hollow feeling that other series fans share, as this is very likely the last we will ever see of Starbuck and his story. A good one to go out on, filled with considerable peril, loss, and high stakes throughout, all while serving as a vibrant history of the Maryland campaign.
July 13, 2024
Mais um bom livro de Bernard Cornwell.
Porém nota-se que o autor desistiu do personagem, e a partir de uma determinada altura, sinto que apenas se preocupou em acabar o livro da melhor maneira possível para fechar a série. Mas a qualidade continua elevada.
As cenas da batalha são escritas duma forma impressionante, naquela que foi a mais sangrenta batalha da Guerra da Secessão.
Porém nota-se que o autor desistiu do personagem, e a partir de uma determinada altura, sinto que apenas se preocupou em acabar o livro da melhor maneira possível para fechar a série. Mas a qualidade continua elevada.
As cenas da batalha são escritas duma forma impressionante, naquela que foi a mais sangrenta batalha da Guerra da Secessão.
December 21, 2021
Für mich ganz klar das beste Buch der Reihe. Man mag ja über Cornwell denken was man will, aber seine Bücher sind vor allem eines: unterhaltsam. Historisch sehr gut recherchiert, gibt das Buch einen sehr guten Einblick in die damaligen Geschehnisse. Insgesamt nach der Uthred-Serie, die einmalig war, bisher mein Favorit. Bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil.
January 4, 2009
There are just so many good mysteries out there. The Starbuck books view the Civil War through the eyes of a transplanted New Englander fighting for the Confederacy. This is the 4th in the series. Not being a fan of the Southern point of view, I was reluctant to pick these up, but Cornwell tells such a good tale that they are very difficult to put down. Nothing deep here, just lots of fun. Starbuck in this one has been yanked from his company — he’s a major — and assigned to the Yellowlegs, a regiment so-named because they ran away from a fight. Starbuck, unhappy with the assignment, and also a transplanted northerner, arrives at camp only to be mistaken for a drunk Lieutenant Potter, who is late in arriving at his new assignment to the Yellowlegs also (interestingly, yellowlegs was an appellation given to U.S. cavalry troops). Masquerading as Potter, Starbuck soon discovers a pattern of corruption and with the help of his friend Delancey — who happens to be a Yankee spy unbeknownst to Starbuck — turns tables on the other officers in the company who had been tormenting him, believing Starbuck to be a lowly lieutenant. The events of the novel revolve around the Battle at Sharpsburg (known as Antietam in the North), the bloodiest battle in United States history, where more than 23,000 soldiers died. McClellan does not fare well, seen rightly so, as a vacillating, reluctant, overanxious general who placed too much reliance on his Pinkerton intelligence. Lee had invaded the North with far fewer troops than McClellan had at his disposal, but McClellan insisted he was outnumbered. Starbuck and his brigade are placed in the thick of the battle (most of the characters are completely fictional — and the famous copy of order 191 is delivered to McClellan by Delancey who appears to have no basis in fact).
An example of Cornwell’s fun: Starbuck is speaking with Potter: “You’ve still got the whiskey?” “Safe in its stone bottle, wrapped in two shirts, a piece of canvas, and an unbound copy of Macaulay’s Essays. It isn’t a complete volume. I found it dangling in a Harper’s Ferry privy and the first thirty pages had already been consumed for hygienic purposes.” “Wouldn’t you rather have found his poetry?” Starbuck asked. “In a privy? No, I think not. Besides, I already have swathes of Macauley in my head, or what remains of my head,” Potter said, touching the bloody bandage over his left ear. “ ‘To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late, And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds.’ ” Potter shook his head at the appropriateness of the words. “Too good for a privy, Starbuck. My father hung the works of Roman Catholic theologians in our outhouse. It was, he said, the only thing they were fit for, but the insult misfired. I damn nearly converted to popery after reading Newman’s lectures. Father thought I was constipated till he found out what I was doing, and after that we used newspapers like every other Christian, but father always made sure that any verses of scripture were cut out before the sheets were threaded on the string.”
In a historical note at the end, Cornwell references Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietamby Stephen Sears as the best book on the battle, so I’ve added that to my reading list which continues to grow beyond an unreasonable size.
An example of Cornwell’s fun: Starbuck is speaking with Potter: “You’ve still got the whiskey?” “Safe in its stone bottle, wrapped in two shirts, a piece of canvas, and an unbound copy of Macaulay’s Essays. It isn’t a complete volume. I found it dangling in a Harper’s Ferry privy and the first thirty pages had already been consumed for hygienic purposes.” “Wouldn’t you rather have found his poetry?” Starbuck asked. “In a privy? No, I think not. Besides, I already have swathes of Macauley in my head, or what remains of my head,” Potter said, touching the bloody bandage over his left ear. “ ‘To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late, And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds.’ ” Potter shook his head at the appropriateness of the words. “Too good for a privy, Starbuck. My father hung the works of Roman Catholic theologians in our outhouse. It was, he said, the only thing they were fit for, but the insult misfired. I damn nearly converted to popery after reading Newman’s lectures. Father thought I was constipated till he found out what I was doing, and after that we used newspapers like every other Christian, but father always made sure that any verses of scripture were cut out before the sheets were threaded on the string.”
In a historical note at the end, Cornwell references Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietamby Stephen Sears as the best book on the battle, so I’ve added that to my reading list which continues to grow beyond an unreasonable size.
June 1, 2011
This is the last book in the Starbuck Civil War series, even though Cornwell hints that more will be coming. This covers the events leading up to and the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in U.S. military history.
Starbuck takes over a punishment battalion made up of alleged cowards, deserters and other motley individuals. This after proving that the previous commander was a crook. Before they are really trained the battalion is marched off to join Lee's army. They take part in Stonewall Jackson's capture of Harper's Ferry, a Union stronghold. They then undergo a forced march to the town of Sharpsburg next to Antitam creek and learn the lessons that only combat can teach and do quite well in the process.
As always Cornwell's battle scenes are riveting. His characters have matured since the first volume and his descriptions of their behavior are much more realistic. He does a great job of describing General McClelland and is aligned with the descriptions of the popinjay general that I've read in other books about the Civil War.
Another thing I admire about Cornwell is how he integrates his research into his fiction. The discovery of Lee's plans by the Union, a real event, is interestingly developed in this story.
I'm sorry I have no more Nate Starbuck adventures to anticipate reading.
Starbuck takes over a punishment battalion made up of alleged cowards, deserters and other motley individuals. This after proving that the previous commander was a crook. Before they are really trained the battalion is marched off to join Lee's army. They take part in Stonewall Jackson's capture of Harper's Ferry, a Union stronghold. They then undergo a forced march to the town of Sharpsburg next to Antitam creek and learn the lessons that only combat can teach and do quite well in the process.
As always Cornwell's battle scenes are riveting. His characters have matured since the first volume and his descriptions of their behavior are much more realistic. He does a great job of describing General McClelland and is aligned with the descriptions of the popinjay general that I've read in other books about the Civil War.
Another thing I admire about Cornwell is how he integrates his research into his fiction. The discovery of Lee's plans by the Union, a real event, is interestingly developed in this story.
I'm sorry I have no more Nate Starbuck adventures to anticipate reading.
July 3, 2020
Some thoughts on the series as a whole:
Starbuck's character development hits a wall somewhere in book 3. He's a preacher's son who fights against his country, curses, drinks, whores, and even murders. But it's just a downward trend and then a leveling-off. We really need a good conclusion to this series, but given that it's been 25 years since this book and Bernard Cornwell is pushing 80, I doubt we'll ever see it. A shame, a book describing what Starbuck does in, say, late June/early July of 1863 would be interesting.
Starbuck murders four people in three separate episodes during this series. The last two instances of murder actually made me laugh out loud, which is either a reflection on my own character or maybe a reflection on how strange these scenes were.
When Starbuck kills a Major in his Legion that refuses a direct order and then immediately follows up the cold blooded murder with the (real!) catchphrase of Stonewall Jackson's men in the summer of 1862: "Oh, My God, just lay me down."...That is hilarious. Then Starbuck uses a cannon(!) firing canister (like a giant shotgun) to kill two of his own men who had shot him in the mouth just a couple of minutes before. I mean...this is the Civil War equivalent of using a BFG to kill a single monster in DOOM.
Starbuck's character development hits a wall somewhere in book 3. He's a preacher's son who fights against his country, curses, drinks, whores, and even murders. But it's just a downward trend and then a leveling-off. We really need a good conclusion to this series, but given that it's been 25 years since this book and Bernard Cornwell is pushing 80, I doubt we'll ever see it. A shame, a book describing what Starbuck does in, say, late June/early July of 1863 would be interesting.
Starbuck murders four people in three separate episodes during this series. The last two instances of murder actually made me laugh out loud, which is either a reflection on my own character or maybe a reflection on how strange these scenes were.
When Starbuck kills a Major in his Legion that refuses a direct order and then immediately follows up the cold blooded murder with the (real!) catchphrase of Stonewall Jackson's men in the summer of 1862: "Oh, My God, just lay me down."...That is hilarious. Then Starbuck uses a cannon(!) firing canister (like a giant shotgun) to kill two of his own men who had shot him in the mouth just a couple of minutes before. I mean...this is the Civil War equivalent of using a BFG to kill a single monster in DOOM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2009
THE BLOODY GROUND is the last in the Starbuck series so far, although the author insists there will be another at some point. I hope there will be: there are too many loose ends left in this one.
As with the previous entry, I've lost my original review, but I remember liking this - a lot more than the previous books. It feels like Cornwell's finally found his groove with this series, and THE BLOODY GROUND is up there with the best Sharpe books. There are vivid battle scenes, overriding realism, plenty of humour and a lot of detailed, engaging characters that come alive on the page. I remember that this one contains one of the author's best written battle scenes, an extraordinary and violent encounter in the American countryside.
As with the previous entry, I've lost my original review, but I remember liking this - a lot more than the previous books. It feels like Cornwell's finally found his groove with this series, and THE BLOODY GROUND is up there with the best Sharpe books. There are vivid battle scenes, overriding realism, plenty of humour and a lot of detailed, engaging characters that come alive on the page. I remember that this one contains one of the author's best written battle scenes, an extraordinary and violent encounter in the American countryside.
March 2, 2021
I have loved this series so much. I love Civil War historical fiction. And I have truly enjoyed reading from Starbuck’s point of view. I have two problems (big problems) with this particular installment. And I took a star off per problem. #1 I thought this book was way too heavy on the blood and gore of the battle. It’s not why I read this type of book. I read it for the human side. And I’m willing to take the blood and gore of fighting up to a point but whew! This one was overwhelmingly rough - ‘nuff said. #2 - this is not a proper ending to a series. It feels like the middle not the end. So much is unresolved. I’d be willing to give this book a star back if the author wrote a sequel. Would I read it? You bet.
June 5, 2017
Fabulous series by Bernard Cornwell.. Those of us who have had a chance to visit Antietam will never view it the same way again. This was the second Cornwell series I completed after the Arthur books and since then, although I've read them all excepting the Sharpe books, it remains my favorite. Please, Please, Please, dear Mr. Cornwell from a great fan and I know many more who lost their heart to Starbuck and the way you made those haunting fields come alive, let Starbuck ride again?
Renata de Ris
Renata de Ris
July 21, 2023
Batalha do início ao fim.
Tive de reler a trilogia novamente antes de ler este que achava ser o ultimo volume. Bem… neste momento ele é, mas Cornwell admitie que a história esta inacabada e que deseja retomar a escrita desse romance histórico fantástico!
Nesta obra temos a batalha na qual houve a maior contagem de mortos em um único dia e o autor faz jus na descrição da matança.
De fato, para quem gosta de narrativas de batalhas, um prato cheio.
Tive de reler a trilogia novamente antes de ler este que achava ser o ultimo volume. Bem… neste momento ele é, mas Cornwell admitie que a história esta inacabada e que deseja retomar a escrita desse romance histórico fantástico!
Nesta obra temos a batalha na qual houve a maior contagem de mortos em um único dia e o autor faz jus na descrição da matança.
De fato, para quem gosta de narrativas de batalhas, um prato cheio.
August 30, 2025
What a horrible hack.
Bernard Cornwell was a name I knew from the shelves when I worked at Borders for five years. I always assumed he was respectable. Sean Bean’s Sharpe movies are based on Cornwell’s books. Now that I’ve read one of them, I have to assume they’re all equally terrible.
Cornwell is English, but he became an American resident at some point, and wrote four Civil War books, this being the last of them. Somehow he got it in his head that his protagonist should be a Northerner fighting for the Southern cause. In this book he doesn’t try to justify this decision, but otherwise more than makes clear he supports the idea; even though Starbuck is imperiled by a gaggle of sniveling rivals from his chosen side, every other Northerner Cornwell depicts is cartoonishly bankrupt, down to his traditional, one-dimensional depiction of McClellan (with a token attempt at a counterpoint, existing only to scream, “You’re doing it wrong! You’re doing it wrong!!!”), whether McClellan deserves the scorn or not.
You’re a novelist, dude. Act like you have a smidge of insight, something worth writing, much less reading.
Even the battle scenes, though at times rising to the occasion of the vivid chaos of war, wallow in padded excess. It’s astonishing when someone can garner a name for themselves with such poor craftsmanship, much less be adapted into an extended series of material. But even Cornwell, this time, must’ve realized a miscalculation, since he abandoned Starbuck, going on three decades now…
And at least bother to get the details that anyone would know right, so you can salvage credibility. Starbuck is named after Melville’s character. Anyone who knows Melville knows Moby Dick was hardly greeted with a warm reception. I doubt very much anyone an actual Starbuck would’ve encountered in any camp of the era would’ve made a connection between the two. I could be wrong. Doubtful. Very doubtful.
Will certainly never make the mistake of reading Cornwell again.
Bernard Cornwell was a name I knew from the shelves when I worked at Borders for five years. I always assumed he was respectable. Sean Bean’s Sharpe movies are based on Cornwell’s books. Now that I’ve read one of them, I have to assume they’re all equally terrible.
Cornwell is English, but he became an American resident at some point, and wrote four Civil War books, this being the last of them. Somehow he got it in his head that his protagonist should be a Northerner fighting for the Southern cause. In this book he doesn’t try to justify this decision, but otherwise more than makes clear he supports the idea; even though Starbuck is imperiled by a gaggle of sniveling rivals from his chosen side, every other Northerner Cornwell depicts is cartoonishly bankrupt, down to his traditional, one-dimensional depiction of McClellan (with a token attempt at a counterpoint, existing only to scream, “You’re doing it wrong! You’re doing it wrong!!!”), whether McClellan deserves the scorn or not.
You’re a novelist, dude. Act like you have a smidge of insight, something worth writing, much less reading.
Even the battle scenes, though at times rising to the occasion of the vivid chaos of war, wallow in padded excess. It’s astonishing when someone can garner a name for themselves with such poor craftsmanship, much less be adapted into an extended series of material. But even Cornwell, this time, must’ve realized a miscalculation, since he abandoned Starbuck, going on three decades now…
And at least bother to get the details that anyone would know right, so you can salvage credibility. Starbuck is named after Melville’s character. Anyone who knows Melville knows Moby Dick was hardly greeted with a warm reception. I doubt very much anyone an actual Starbuck would’ve encountered in any camp of the era would’ve made a connection between the two. I could be wrong. Doubtful. Very doubtful.
Will certainly never make the mistake of reading Cornwell again.
Read
August 25, 2024This is the 4th Starbuck Chronicle, and the last for over 20 years, so maybe it's the end of the series*. It also marks the high water mark of the Confederacy’s brief incursion into union territory, not unrelated I think? The battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg was also significant as the bloodiest day in American history, with 20,000+ dead. The dogged defence of Lee’s army, and McClelland’s dithering and shambolic leadership of twice as many men, led to a stalemate on the day. However, it was a strategic victory for the North, as Lee had thrown all-in to consolidate his march towards Washington and sue for peace. In the end he had to withdrawn his weakened army back into Virginia, to fight and win another day. There is a side story about Adam Faulconer and Lee’s leaked battle plans (based on true events), but this book is mostly about the Harper’s Ferry and the build-up to Antietam. It is worth repeating; no-one writes a better blood, guts & fury account of war than Cornwell! It’s obviously not like ‘being there’, but it provides a sobering and human counterpoint to the maps, geo-politics and anodising effect of history.
*That said. our hero continues to grow as a Sharpe-like solider and commander of men, both the Faulconer Legion and his new ‘yellowlegs’ battalion. Although, I don't know what Cornwell will do with [Starbuck's] newly disfigured face and the brief rise and then decline of the south over the next 3 years?
*That said. our hero continues to grow as a Sharpe-like solider and commander of men, both the Faulconer Legion and his new ‘yellowlegs’ battalion. Although, I don't know what Cornwell will do with [Starbuck's] newly disfigured face and the brief rise and then decline of the south over the next 3 years?
March 21, 2024
I have followed this series, which is all about the American Civil War, from the beginning and I like the character of Starbuck immensely, although he is the son of a Northern preacher, he fights for the South. The series has taken him through many scrapes and battles, he has killed many but also he has spilled lots of his own blood, he is bold, brave and utterly fearless, and although he tells himself that he is a coward his exploits have brought him promotions and he is now a major but does not have his own command.
However, he is given the chance chance to command a battalion of disgraced soldiers, they are the lowest of the low, a despised unit of shirkers, he must whip them into shape and take them into battle against a northern garrison at Harper’s Ferry and across the frontier at Antietam Creek which is the scene of the bloodiest battle of the whole Civil War. Starbuck has to be very wary because it isn’t only the Union soldiers who are trying to kill him but also enemies from his own side. This is the best of the series so far.
Bernard Cornwell always has the ability to excite and unnerve me. The way he writes his battle scenes make you sometimes believe that you are really there, you can smell the smoke and the blood, you can here guns and also the screams and moans of the dying and injured. He is one of my favourite authors. 5/5
However, he is given the chance chance to command a battalion of disgraced soldiers, they are the lowest of the low, a despised unit of shirkers, he must whip them into shape and take them into battle against a northern garrison at Harper’s Ferry and across the frontier at Antietam Creek which is the scene of the bloodiest battle of the whole Civil War. Starbuck has to be very wary because it isn’t only the Union soldiers who are trying to kill him but also enemies from his own side. This is the best of the series so far.
Bernard Cornwell always has the ability to excite and unnerve me. The way he writes his battle scenes make you sometimes believe that you are really there, you can smell the smoke and the blood, you can here guns and also the screams and moans of the dying and injured. He is one of my favourite authors. 5/5
December 7, 2023
Another great book by Cornwell in the Starbuck series. In many ways better than the second in the series as it concentrates on the war and main fighting rather than on an irrelevant side story about espionage.
The story line includes not only the main characters from the book series, but also introduces some new ones - at least two of which are engaging for the reader. The interplay between the characters is also well done and carefully crafted. The battle scenes are well handled and described - bringing clearly to the fore the horrors of battle as well as the heroism.
So why only 3 stars. Simple - the end of this book leaves everything up in the air. The war is half over, the central characters are part way through story arcs and even subsidiary characters are clearly being set up for a future. The final words of the book are "Starbuck will march again." And yet 20 years later there is no follow up book. Very disappointing.
But buy the book, read it and enjoy it.
The story line includes not only the main characters from the book series, but also introduces some new ones - at least two of which are engaging for the reader. The interplay between the characters is also well done and carefully crafted. The battle scenes are well handled and described - bringing clearly to the fore the horrors of battle as well as the heroism.
So why only 3 stars. Simple - the end of this book leaves everything up in the air. The war is half over, the central characters are part way through story arcs and even subsidiary characters are clearly being set up for a future. The final words of the book are "Starbuck will march again." And yet 20 years later there is no follow up book. Very disappointing.
But buy the book, read it and enjoy it.
September 6, 2021
A masterly book
As always, Bernard Cornwell's books are beautifully balanced stories. The major and minor themes mesh with wonderful precision. Starbuck's character arc continues as he now finds himself in command of a despised punishment battalion. The story progresses quickly as Starbuck faces a range of threats which he overcomes with his customary mix of brashness, savagery, cunning and humour. With these elements resolved, the main theme comes into play with the battle of Antietam. Adam's sacrifice and Delaney's treachery are wonderful pieces of writing, and the final battle is relayed with precision and fine storytelling. Five stars out of five!
The book finishes by promising that Starbuck will march again. Please, Mr. Cornwell, make it so. We want to see Starbuck settling Billy Blythe!
As always, Bernard Cornwell's books are beautifully balanced stories. The major and minor themes mesh with wonderful precision. Starbuck's character arc continues as he now finds himself in command of a despised punishment battalion. The story progresses quickly as Starbuck faces a range of threats which he overcomes with his customary mix of brashness, savagery, cunning and humour. With these elements resolved, the main theme comes into play with the battle of Antietam. Adam's sacrifice and Delaney's treachery are wonderful pieces of writing, and the final battle is relayed with precision and fine storytelling. Five stars out of five!
The book finishes by promising that Starbuck will march again. Please, Mr. Cornwell, make it so. We want to see Starbuck settling Billy Blythe!
October 30, 2017
This book is the fourth in the Nathaniel Starbuck series set in the Civil War. It builds up to the Battle at Antietam in the first part and then in the second part presents a gruesome account of one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Cornwell is at his best in the vivid descriptions of the battlefield as he employs all of the reader's five senses to experience the reality of armed conflict. Along with the brutality of war, the reader also gets to experience the psychological, spiritual and political conflict that is faced by soldiers as they find themselves thrust into situations over which they have no control. I've read a lot of Cornwell's books and I feel that this is one of the best.
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