Combined Operations in the Civil War

by Rowena Reed

In his introduction John D. Milligan considers Reed's provocative thesis that General George B. McClellan's concept of a grand strategy would have ended the bloodshed sooner.

Genres: History, Civil War

491 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blasted by some for the temerity to insist that McClellan was talented, Reed kicked off a reappraisal of McClellan. As a strategist, on that front McClellan's reputation improved over time. The book is a bit too hard on Grant and Banks in 1863, but it still offers a cogent analysis of strategy and a thesis that the Union won the war in spite of Lincoln, Stanton, and Halleck and not because of them. The case is also very well made, even if Reed at times did go a bit over the top in praising McClellan. Research might have been better too, but it is a very good read for what it is and not the standard drivel.

[Mark Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still the definitive study, although published in 1978. Reed offers excellent coverage of the operations and superb analysis along with scintillating (and sometimes provocative) judgments on the commanders involved.

[Kris Tooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother passed away at 53, way too early. She was a brilliant scholar and student of the American Civil War. She was a history professor at Queens University and later at Dartmouth College, and also taught at RMC. I can recall the large table where she drew the scale maps and the desk where she wrote the tomb that I spent a summer typing and which became her great treatise on the Civil War. Whether you agree with her perspective - I want to pass along that she was truly a remarkable woman. I am now 65 and in all my years there has never been anyone that could compare with her intellect. She is missed and I am glad that her book survives and is still available for study and debate among her younger peers.

[William Olenick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This publication by the Naval Institute Press is a good read on Joint Naval Land Force operations during the ACW.
It discusses the three phases of effective operations during the war with the different commanders of the War Department who made policy.
Text is supported by plenty of photos, illustrations and maps. Recommend that anyone interested in an interesting version of events read this.

[Yui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written with a lot of unseen map.