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The Civil War #4
The Sword of Antietam
A story of the Alamo and Goliad, from Altsheler's Civil War series
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1914
12 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Alexander Altsheler
192 books18 followersJoseph Alexander Altsheler was an American newspaper reporter, editor and author of popular juvenile historical fiction. He was a prolific writer, and produced fifty-one novels and at least fifty-three short stories. Thirty-two of his novels were part of his seven series:
The Civil War Series (8 volumes)
The French and Indian War Series (6 volumes)
The Gold Series (2 volumes)
The Great West Series (2 volumes)
The Texan Series (3 volumes)
The World War Series (3 volumes)
The Young Trailers Series (8 volumes)
Although each of the thirty-two novels constitutes an independent story, Altsheler suggested a reading order for each series (i.e., he numbered the volumes). The remaining nineteen novels can be read in any order. [Note, however, that A Knight of Philadelphia was later expanded through the addition of nineteen chapters and some minor tweaks to become Mr. Altsheler's novel In Hostile Red.]
The short stories, of course, can be read in any order. However, some readers might prefer to read them in the order in which they were published. The short story list below is displayed in chronological order with the publication dates shown alongside the titles.
The Civil War Series (8 volumes)
The French and Indian War Series (6 volumes)
The Gold Series (2 volumes)
The Great West Series (2 volumes)
The Texan Series (3 volumes)
The World War Series (3 volumes)
The Young Trailers Series (8 volumes)
Although each of the thirty-two novels constitutes an independent story, Altsheler suggested a reading order for each series (i.e., he numbered the volumes). The remaining nineteen novels can be read in any order. [Note, however, that A Knight of Philadelphia was later expanded through the addition of nineteen chapters and some minor tweaks to become Mr. Altsheler's novel In Hostile Red.]
The short stories, of course, can be read in any order. However, some readers might prefer to read them in the order in which they were published. The short story list below is displayed in chronological order with the publication dates shown alongside the titles.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 15, 2016
I know that this is book four in a series, but I read this book first, as it's the one that was lent to me. From a historical point, it was very well done! I'm still learning a lot about the Civil War, but from what I read, the book was accurate. I really liked how the main character (Dick) and his friends (Frank and George) wove in and out of real characters' lives. Their commentary gave a good insight about how men of the time were, their opinions of the generals, and attitude towards the enemy. There was a tint of humor which was very enjoyable.
I wouldn't call this a Christian book, though it's not dirty. There were uses of God's Name in vain. Several mentions of "omens." Of course, being a war story, there was a bit about blood and gore, but it wasn't extremely grotesque.
If you like Civil War, then I highly recommend this book as it gives a good overview of several key battles of the war.
(Note: I read Mantle Ministries version, which may be edited; I'm not sure)
I wouldn't call this a Christian book, though it's not dirty. There were uses of God's Name in vain. Several mentions of "omens." Of course, being a war story, there was a bit about blood and gore, but it wasn't extremely grotesque.
If you like Civil War, then I highly recommend this book as it gives a good overview of several key battles of the war.
(Note: I read Mantle Ministries version, which may be edited; I'm not sure)
February 2, 2019
I read this because I’m a civil war addict
I don’t like trying to decide how many stars to give a novel. What does a star mean? So, I’m giving this book 2 1/2 stars because I’ve enjoyed this series and will continue to read until I’ve completed it. HOWEVER, this author (in my opinion) is much better at writing from the southern point of view so the books from the northern view (like this one) suffer in comparison. I’m not sure if that’s because of the characters or my own bias. This book reads almost like a history instead of fiction. How does Lt. Dick Mason manage to bounce back and forth between the eastern and western fronts for every important moment in the war? So the fictional aspect is not quite believable, but the history is good.
I don’t like trying to decide how many stars to give a novel. What does a star mean? So, I’m giving this book 2 1/2 stars because I’ve enjoyed this series and will continue to read until I’ve completed it. HOWEVER, this author (in my opinion) is much better at writing from the southern point of view so the books from the northern view (like this one) suffer in comparison. I’m not sure if that’s because of the characters or my own bias. This book reads almost like a history instead of fiction. How does Lt. Dick Mason manage to bounce back and forth between the eastern and western fronts for every important moment in the war? So the fictional aspect is not quite believable, but the history is good.
March 7, 2018
The Civil War at its most civil.
The fourth book in a series of seven presents sanitised versions of the stalemates at Cedar Run and Second Manassas, where 23,000 men were killed or injured and after which General Pope was forced to resign; then the battles which turned the strategic tide in the Union's favour at Antietam, Perryville and Stones River.
Altsheler wrote with a younger readership in mind so although the action was breathless and exciting it is not particularly bloody. Dick Mason fights for the Union and his cousin Harry Kenton (who ought really to have been called Harry Dixon) fights in the Confederate army. The author contrived a few instances for them to meet on the battlefield. The badinage between the soldiers of both sides was fun but made the Civil War sound like a paintballing excursion.
Stonewall Jackson is a figure of awe to both sides, seemingly everywhere at once with his 'foot cavalry.' The Union generals are too cautious and everyone displays impeccable foresight by calling for Grant to take charge.
In terms of historical liberties taken for the sake of heroism, Dick Mason is credited with discovering the copy of Special Order 191, General Lee's troop movement for the Confederate army which were found by Barton W. Mitchell of the 27th Indiana Volunteers, wrapped around a few discarded cigars.
Altsheler frequently committed a pet hate of mine, which is to mention the same item of information two times or more, such as the fact that the Union army was always well provisioned or how General McClellan always overestimated the size of the enemy.
As an American kid a hundred years ago I would have lapped this up though.
The fourth book in a series of seven presents sanitised versions of the stalemates at Cedar Run and Second Manassas, where 23,000 men were killed or injured and after which General Pope was forced to resign; then the battles which turned the strategic tide in the Union's favour at Antietam, Perryville and Stones River.
Altsheler wrote with a younger readership in mind so although the action was breathless and exciting it is not particularly bloody. Dick Mason fights for the Union and his cousin Harry Kenton (who ought really to have been called Harry Dixon) fights in the Confederate army. The author contrived a few instances for them to meet on the battlefield. The badinage between the soldiers of both sides was fun but made the Civil War sound like a paintballing excursion.
Stonewall Jackson is a figure of awe to both sides, seemingly everywhere at once with his 'foot cavalry.' The Union generals are too cautious and everyone displays impeccable foresight by calling for Grant to take charge.
In terms of historical liberties taken for the sake of heroism, Dick Mason is credited with discovering the copy of Special Order 191, General Lee's troop movement for the Confederate army which were found by Barton W. Mitchell of the 27th Indiana Volunteers, wrapped around a few discarded cigars.
Altsheler frequently committed a pet hate of mine, which is to mention the same item of information two times or more, such as the fact that the Union army was always well provisioned or how General McClellan always overestimated the size of the enemy.
As an American kid a hundred years ago I would have lapped this up though.
May 5, 2018
Interesting approach to civil war history.
Interesting but a rather boring read. As a historian i found lacking some essential details of motivation by key players.
Interesting but a rather boring read. As a historian i found lacking some essential details of motivation by key players.
April 7, 2020
Historical Fiction, from the days of my youth
May 10, 2014
One of a series of books written for young readers that cover the Civil War. I didn't think this book was quite as good as some of the others in this series. Dick Mason, the northern soldier covers the period after The Seven Days through Antietam in the east and then moves to Kentucky to cover Perryville and then Stones River in Tennessee.
Want to read
May 29, 2012My Hardback is 339 pages by The American Reprint Company.
September 10, 2014
A good book, but more disjointed in sections than the previous books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews