Reviews
"A challenging and informative biography.... Brings to life a key figure in Civil War history. This book will stir the debate on the true nature of Ewell's legacy." -- Civil War News, "A fine and much-neededbiography of one of the crucial protagonists of the Civil War." -- Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Deserves praise for an impressive research effort and for producing a well-written narrative of Ewell's life and career., "Casdorph unveils Ewell's fascinating life in crisp, businesslike prose.... Adduces plenty of the rich body of evidence about his subject's gallantry, bravery, and attractive qualities." -- America's Civil War, A highly readable biography that examines such diverse topics as the effect of the amputation of Ewell's leg on his subsequent command decisions and the role of Ewell's wife in stifling his battlefield initiative., Answers, or attempts to answer, some of the major questions and problems of the Civil War.... Casdorph does an excellent job of presenting the factors and people influencing this controversial Civil War officer., "Extensively researched biography.... Casdorph pulls no punches in detailing his subject's shortcomings." -- Washington Times, Casdorph unveils Ewell's fascinating life in crisp, businesslike prose.... Adduces plenty of the rich body of evidence about his subject's gallantry, bravery, and attractive qualities., A challenging and informative biography.... Brings to life a key figure in Civil War history. This book will stir the debate on the true nature of Ewell's legacy., "An excellent contribution to Civil War scholarship. Presenting a strong argument for his thesis that Ewell was 'a flawed commander who could not, or would not, act at the critical moment,' Casdorph's work is thoroughly researched and fascinating to read. Exploring the relationship between Ewell and Robert E. Lee, discussing significant topics such as the effects on Ewell of losing a leg, as well as the man's religious concepts, and paying due respect to the whole of the general's life, Casdorph has developed the finest Ewell biography that is likely to be written." -- James Lee McDonough, Professor Emeritus, Auburn University, "Deserves the attention of those mighty legions still refighting the battles of the eastern theater." -- North & South, "Civil War history stays alive because of biographies of its key figures, their fights, and foibles. R.S. Ewell is an intriguing study of command." -- Southern Seen, Civil War history stays alive because of biographies of its key figures, their fights, and foibles. R.S. Ewell is an intriguing study of command., "A very thorough and definitive biography about one of the Confederacy's most contrary commanders." -- Armor, "Casdorph's well-written biography is rich in psychological analysis and operational detail.... A dramatic portrait of a career steeped in failure and controversy." -- Journal of American History, "Deserves praise for an impressive research effort and for producing a well-written narrative of Ewell's life and career." -- Parameters, "A highly readable biography that examines such diverse topics as the effect of the amputation of Ewell's leg on his subsequent command decisions and the role of Ewell's wife in stifling his battlefield initiative." -- Army Magazine, Casdorph's well-written biography is rich in psychological analysis and operational detail.... A dramatic portrait of a career steeped in failure and controversy., An excellent contribution to Civil War scholarship. Presenting a strong argument for his thesis that Ewell was 'a flawed commander who could not, or would not, act at the critical moment,' Casdorph's work is thoroughly researched and fascinating to read. Exploring the relationship between Ewell and Robert E. Lee, discussing significant topics such as the effects on Ewell of losing a leg, as well as the man's religious concepts, and paying due respect to the whole of the general's life, Casdorph has developed the finest Ewell biography that is likely to be written., "Answers, or attempts to answer, some of the major questions and problems of the Civil War.... Casdorph does an excellent job of presenting the factors and people influencing this controversial Civil War officer." -- West Virginia History, Extensively researched biography.... Casdorph pulls no punches in detailing his subject's shortcomings.
