The Battle of Antietam: The Bloodiest Day

by Ted Alexander

The Battle of Antietamprovides a comprehensive look at the Battle of Antietam, specifically the pivotal moments between Lee, Lincoln, and McClellan surrounding the "single bloodiest day in American history." Explore the reasons for Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland in 1862. Follow first-hand accounts of the Battle of Antietam and it's bloody aftermath and how the battle affects the history being made today.

Genres: American Civil War

194 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2011

About the author

Chief park historian at Antietam National Battlefield for more than 26 years, he has written, edited, or contributed to several books. He has also written articles and book reviews for the magazines Civil War Times, Blue & Gray, and North & South.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although part of the Civil War series, I think it is a step above some of the others that I have read. I suspect this might be because of the credentials of the author who adds some interesting sidelights to the story. This is not a detailed look at the battle such as LANDSCAPE TURNED RED, but it is an interesting overview for those who would like an introduction to the 'Bloodiest Day.'

[Bobsie67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander touches on all the key highlights--politics, military strategy and tactics, the generals involved, the soldiers, the civilians the landscape, the battles within the battle, the emancipation proclamation, and the dedication of the battlefield--all within 143 pages. Quick read, good pictures, and good bibliography. Great introduction to the battle and good review for someone like me who has read several books on the battle, McLellan, Lee, and Lincoln.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, but reasonably thorough read on the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg for you Southerners) by a veteran park ranger. Not descriptive enough for a real Civil War buff, but certainly a good, solid basic read for someone new to the genre and battle. It does have some interesting sections seldom found in other works, with the last couple of chapters talking about the aftermath of the battle for the local residents, and the establishment of the national park at the battlefield. The couple of books in this series I've read have been similar in that they make a nice introduction to a topic, but you'll want to look elsewhere for the real nitty-gritty. As with many shorter Civil War entries, it could use more maps in the sections on the battle itself, particularly as its best audience is probably not as familiar with the action as someone who has read books on the subject like Sears' or Priest's.

[Michael Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read. Mr. Alexander gives insightful info, not only on the battle, but also the making of a national park.