The Civil Wars of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston: Volume 1: Virginia to Mississippi, 1861-1863

One of the original five full generals of the Confederacy, Joseph Eggleston Johnston, was a enigmatic figure. McMurry's The Civil Wars of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston: Volume 1: Virginia to Mississippi, 1861-1863, unlocks Johnston the general and represents a lifetime of study and thinking about the officer, his military career, and his simultaneous battles with the government in Richmond and President Jefferson Davis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Savas Beatie

Joseph Eggleston Johnston, a prominent figure among the original five full generals of the Confederacy, holds a unique place in American military history. He graduated from West Point in the same class as Robert E. Lee in 1829 and played significant roles in various conflicts, including the War with Mexico, the Seminole Wars in Florida, and the battles in Texas and Kansas. By 1860, Johnston's reputation as one of America's finest military officers was widely recognized. However, his enigmatic nature continues to captivate scholars and historians alike.

In his comprehensive work, The Civil Wars of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston: Volume 1: Virginia to Mississippi, 1861-1863, Richard McMurry delves deep into the life and military career of Johnston. This monumental volume represents a lifetime of study and reflection on the general, encompassing his military achievements, political battles, and personal struggles.

The first installment of the book opens with the secession and the onset of the Civil War, tracing Johnston's journey from his appointment as a full general to his crucial roles at Manassas and his literary duel with President Jefferson Davis. McMurry skillfully weaves together a rich tapestry of primary sources, many of which have been previously unused, to provide a fresh and insightful perspective on Johnston's life and career.

Through his meticulous research, McMurry sheds new light on old controversies and examines the intricate relationships that shaped Johnston's military decisions and the course of the war. He explores the impact of Johnston's relationships with key figures such as General Braxton Bragg, General P.G.T. Beauregard, and President Davis on the Confederate strategy and its ultimate fate.

What sets McMurry's work apart is his elegant prose, which captures Johnston's personality and military prowess in a way that has never been accomplished before. The author's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring historical events to life make this biography a must-read for anyone interested in Confederate history.

In conclusion, The Civil Wars of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston: Volume 1: Virginia to Mississippi, 1861-1863, by Richard McMurry, is a groundbreaking work that offers a definitive biography of this enigmatic figure. Through his meticulous research and captivating storytelling, McMurry sheds new light on Johnston's life and military career, providing a comprehensive and insightful perspective on one of the most important figures of the Civil War. This volume is a testament to McMurry's dedication to historical scholarship and his ability to bring history to life for readers of all ages.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611215922