Book Review Excerpts

  WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANGLE VALLEY PRESS BOOKS:

 

                         The Confederate Alamo by John Fox

 "Accumulating every available source on a Civil War engagement, and parlaying that evidence into a tactical narrative, always impresses men when it is well done. The dramatic, desperate defense of Fort Gregg makes for a riveting story." Robert K. Krick, The Civil War Monitor magazine, Winter 2011  civilwarmonitor.com/

“Thoroughly researched, Mr. Fox’s tome is an impressive scholarly achievement. It is a well balanced presentation of the struggle, both inside and outside the fort, giving both the Confederate and Union points of view.” Jim Miller, Civil War Notebook Blog, February 27, 2011. http://civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-confederate-alamo.html

“The battle action is well written, entertaining, and ties in nicely with the regimental maps scattered throughout the book.” “Chapters are broken down chronologically and by unit with the alternating views of the action between the Confederate and Union perspective. This creates a growing tension in a desperate situation as the fort’s defenders are slowly whittled down in strength and ammunition.”  “A well-told account of one of the most dramatic last stands in the entire Civil War.” Brett Schulte, Beyond the Crater Blog, February 1, 2011. http://www.beyondthecrater.com/news-and-notes/reviews/civil-war-books/review-the-confederate-alamo-bloodbath-at-petersburgs-fort-gregg-on-april-2-1865/

 “John Fox’s sweeping narrative, insightful analysis of events, and use of individual accounts personalizes combat during this very bloody battle at Petersburg. It is military history at its best.”  “This is the first full study of the attack and defense of Fort Gregg, and it will long remain the seminal portrait of this brief but bloody encounter.” Michael Russert, Civil War News, January 2011.
http://www.civilwarnews.com/reviews/2011br/jan/alamo-fox-b011118.html

“While recounting the events surrounding the fight for Fort Gregg in exquisite detail, he also clearly explains the decisions of the commanders who shaped the engagement and vividly recounts the experiences of the soldiers who fought there.” “[A] fine addition to ‘drums and trumpets’ Civil War scholarship.” Ethan S. Rafuse, America’s Civil War magazine, November 2010.
http://www.historynet.com/confederate-alamo.htm

“Traces the history of one of the key battles that broke the siege of Petersburg and led to the fall of Richmond and the Union’s victory. The book includes several maps and many photos.” Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 24, 2010.

 “This is a powerfully written story and will make you proud of the Americans that fought for the Blue and Gray.” The Lone Star Book Review, August 2010.

“Fox has done an excellent job tracking down quite a number of unpublished primary sources on both sides and alternates between a tactical overview and the soldiers-eye perspective.” “This handsome volume is a great example of the sort of polished, professionally done book that is coming out of some of the better small presses today.” Fred Ray, TOCWOC- A Civil War blog, July 23, 2010, and author of Shock Troops of the Confederacy. http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2010/07/23/review-confederate-alamo-by-john-fox/

“The end result is an hour-to-hour, sometimes minute-to-minute account of the battle that puts the reader in the middle of the chaos inside Fort Gregg. And while Fox uses different ‘voices’ in the narrative by extensively quoting the participants, the effect flows seamlessly.” C. L. Bragg, author of Never for Want of Powder.

“The Confederate Alamo is an impressive demonstration of author John Fox’s skill as a researcher and writer of Civil War tactical battle history. Every student captivated by the military historical aspects of the Petersburg Campaign will want a copy of this fine book. It is highly recommended.” Andrew Wagenhoffer, Civil War Books and Authors Blog, June 3, 2010.
http://cwba.blogspot.com/2010/06/fox-confederate-alamo-bloodbath-at.html


“A riveting story of how 334 bedraggled and battle-weary Confederates stood fast against two Union corps on the morning and afternoon of April 2.” “The result is a book meticulously researched, rich in detail and compelling story lines.” Adrian O’Connor, The Winchester Star, April 28, 2010.


                  Wiregrass to Appomattox by Jim Parrish

 

“A lively account supplemented by many anecdotes and perspectives from previously unpublished primary sources.” Michael Russert, Civil War News, May 2009

“In terms of illustrations, author and publisher went far beyond the norm.”   “Wiregrass to Appomattox is an impressively researched, detail oriented, and comprehensive military history of the 50th Georgia’s distinguished Civil War service.”
Andrew Wagenhoffer, “Civil War Books & Authors” blog

His writing is terse. His facts sing with accuracy. He has obviously followed in the footsteps of his regiment, and knows his men and their battles.” Richard N. Larsen, The Midwest Book Review

"A meticulous account of what happened to the 1,400 men in the regiment and the path that led from enlistment in 1862 to Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender in 1865.”  Sharon Kant-Rauch, Tallahassee Democrat newspaper

“Excellent maps and abundant modern-day views of the battle grounds on which the 50th Georgia fought enable the reader to follow the action in good order. This augments the volume’s usefulness as a battlefield companion. This history is a most welcome addition for any student of the Army of Northern Virginia. Mr. Parrish has done his research well, and the result is a solid account of a neglected regiment from a largely forgotten brigade. I highly recommend this book.” Dave Richards, Gettysburg NPS guide

 

 

                  Southerners at Rest by Chris Ferguson

 

“An authoritative compilation, it is clear that Southerners at Rest will be a valuable addition to institutional reference libraries and personal collections alike.”  Andrew Wagenhoffer, “Civil War Books and Authors” blog. 
http://cwba.blogspot.com/2008/06/ferguson-southerners-at-rest.html

“Ferguson has sifted through countless archival documents to piece together a definitive and thoroughly accurate reference." James A. Cox, "The Midwest Book Review"          http://www.midwestbookreview.com/wbw/jun_08.htm#Civil War

“Southerners at Rest will likely be of immense use to anyone keeping track of the Army of Northern Virginia, and it should become a classic reference of lasting value.”  Robert K. Krick, Civil War Times, June 2008

“Individual readers will find Southerners at Rest to be impressive in its scope and fascinating in detail, but the book will also prove to be a valuable resource for libraries and genealogists.”  C.L. Bragg, Confederate Veteran, January/February 2009

“The author has put an enormous amount of work into the volume and it shows.”  Blake Magner, Civil War News, October 2008

 

                              Red Clay to Richmond by John Fox

 

"Fox’s unit history sets a new standard for excellence in this field.” Dane Hartgrove, The Free-Lance Star newspaper, Fredericksburg, Va.

“What a nice job. I love rosters that dig out deaths and graves for veterans, and of course think that books that don’t include manuscript sources aren’t worth having – while yours is full of them.” Robert K. Krick, retired Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania NMP chief historian

"Fox is a masterful storyteller, combining a rich and readable narrative spiced with descriptive first-hand accounts and thoughtful analysis.”  Michael Russert, The Civil War News

“This is an excellent history in which the author amassed a vast amount of information and used it to great advantage in telling the tale of a forgotten Georgia regiment.” Dr. Richard A. Sauers, Civil War Times magazine

Red Clay to Richmond provides a fascinating look at Confederate service from the ground up, particularly for those readers who may already have a bit of Civil War knowledge.” Charles Culbertson, The News Leader newspaper, Staunton, Va.