Grant Wins the War: Decision at Vicksburg

by James R. Arnold

Vicksburg is the key. . . . Let us get Vicksburg, and all that country is ours.--President Abraham Lincoln, 1862

In a brilliantly constructed and powerfully rendered new account, James R. Arnold offers a penetrating analysis of Grant's strategies and actions leading to the Union victory at Vicksburg. Approaching these epic events from a unique and well-rounded perspective, and based on careful research, Grant Wins the War is fascinating reading for all Civil War and military history buffs.

Acclaim for Grant Wins the War

Nicely details the coordination of Union military and naval operations and the boldness and genius of General U. S. Grant that brought Union victory, and he offers an excellent discussion of the technology and tactics of siege warfare. . . . a good drums-and-bugle account of an important event.--Library Journal

A particular strength of this work is its demonstration that modern weapons left no shortcuts to victory, and little room for command virtuosity.--Publishers Weekly

Throughout, Arnold backs up his assessments with solid facts and sound reasoning, engagingly presented. He has produced a useful and enjoyable brief history of the Vicksburg campaign, helpful to scholars and general readers alike.--Journal of Military History

Powerfully and persuasively argues that the Union victory at Vicksburg in 1863 was in fact the actual turning point of the Civil War.--Helena (Mont.) Independent Record

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

387 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good, tactical overview of the siege and battle for Vicksburg, this volume belongs on the shelf of every Vicksburg enthusiast. The author tells the story of two rival commanders, Grant and Pemberton, and the crisis they faced. One overcame and one did not. Along the way we are told the story of Vicksburg through the experiences of participants on the ground. We learn that starvation was a key factor in determining the outcome of the battle. We learn that Grant's bulldog tenacity prevailed over Pemberton's indecision. A good starting point for anyone looking to understand the single most important campaign in the Western theater.

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent account of the Battle and subsequent Siege of Vicksburg during 1863. The author, James Arnold, writes a detailed account of the events and incidents leading up to General Grant closing a ring around the defences of Vicksburg. The author covers the plans and ideas of the Union and Confederate Commanders and their political masters during this battle. His narrative of the fighting is well presented and very stiring and although you could probarly find more detailed accounts, he still tells a great story, this is a good story and well worth the time to sit down and read.

[C.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not readable like the better authors, but solid on his facts. Assumes a certain knowledge in the reader that might not exist, e.g., assumes reader knows which ships are whose (no USN or CSN in front) and ditto on who fights for which side (no US or CS, again).