This Mighty Scourge

As many of you are aware, I am a fan of Savas Beatie, LLC.  Savas Beatie publishes quality historical narratives, biographies and other non-fiction titles.  Based in Northern California, Savas Beatie Publishing was formed in 2004 when Theodore P. Savas and Russell H. “Cap” Beatie agreed to form the publishing house.  Their tag line, “Independent, scholarly, and a bit old fashioned,” really sums it up. 

Savas, an attorney by trade, had been a publishing consultant, working with many publishers.  In 1992, he formed a publishing company with David Woodbury, Savas Woodbury Publishers which published a quarterly journal, “Civil War Regiments: A Journal of the American Civil War.”  With the departure of Woodbury, in 1995, the company became Savas Publishing Company, focusing on the American Civil War, World War II and the Indian Wars.

With the formation of Savas Beatie, LLC, Savas had a partner that enjoyed the Civil War as much as he did.  Originally from Kansas, Beatie served as an artillery lieutenant.  “Cap” graduated from Princeton University and Columbia Law School.  He has been a trial attorney in New York City for more than three decades.  At a young age, Cap read Douglas Southall Freeman’s “Lee’s Lieutenants: A Study in Command” and became hooked on the Civil War.  A Civil War historian, and author, Mr. Beatie published “The Army of the Potomac, Volume 1: Birth of Command,” in 2002 and “The Army of the Potomac, Volume 2: McClellan Takes Command,” in 2004.  He has finished his third volume in the Army of the Potomac series, which is available from Savas Beatie, and is currently working on the fourth volume.  Beatie lives in New York City.

Sarah Keeney was the first employee of Savas Beatie, starting after graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in journalism.  As director of marketing Ms. Keeney works closely with their authors, handles publicity tours, specialty sales and maintains the book marketing blog, Savas Beatie On Marketing.  Additionally Sarah works to arrange author interviews, television and radio appearances and book reviews.

Veronica Kane and Tammy Hall both handle marketing and administrative activities at Savas Beatie.

I recently had an opportunity to have a nice talk with Ted Savas.  It was a wide ranging discussion and one I’m sure you will enjoy listening to.  Like all of my interviews, I have separated it into separate sections so you can listen to it over a period of time.

Theodore P. Savas Interview – 13 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes, 50 seconds

Part 1:

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Time: 3:15
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Ted Savas | Why the publishing business?

Part 2:

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Time: 5:18
Contents:  Was there a specific opportunity Savas Beatie was created to take advantage of? | The changing landscape of publishing

Part 3:

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Time: 4:56
Contents:  About Savas Beatie and the staff | The culture of Savas Beatie

Part 4:

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Time: 4:49
Contents:  The importance of a good dust jacket | The story of the dust jacket of James Hessler’s book, “Sickles at Gettysburg”

Part 5:

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Time: 8:33
Contents: Finding the “jewels in the rough” | Passion for your books vs. mass appeal

Part 6:

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Time: 8:00
Contents:  Editing and working with authors | Using knowledgeable editors to create a consistently good product

Part 7:

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Time: 7:58
Contents:  How Savas Beatie markets their books | Partnership between publisher a author | Access to television news shows | Use of outside publicists

Part 8:

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Time: 6:12
Contents:  Mix of books from Savas Beatie | The book, “Flying Drunk”

Part 9:

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Time: 5:44
Contents:  E-books and the Amazon.com Kindle | We love books and are tactile | The ability of a book to draw you in

Part 10:

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Time: 7:07
Contents:  Background on the Google book settlement and Ted’s thoughts on it | Amazon.com as a publisher? | Self publishing

Part 11:

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Time: 5:51
Contents: Ted talks about the differences between different types of publishing houses

Part 12:

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Time: 8:14
Contents:  Future titles from Savas Beatie | Planting the seed of scholarship for Western Theater Civil War battles | Ezra Carmen’s Civil War Notes with fresh maps | The Gettysburg Encyclopedia

Part 13:

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Time: 5:53
Contents:  Discussion on the Complete Gettysburg Guide | Ed Bearss Petersburg book | Closing and wrap up

All these titles can be purchased directly from Savas Beatie, LLC by clicking HERE.

Check out these great titles from Savas Beatie, LLC

Details about “Once A Marine”
Written by: Nick Popaditch, with Mike Steere
Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 1, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714472

 

 

Details about “Confessions of a Military Wife”
Written by: Mollie Gross
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: November 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714766

 

 

Details about “Indian War Veterans”
Written by: Jerome Greene
Hardcover: 472 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: January 15, 2007
ISBN-10: 193271426X

 

 

Details about “Steel Boat, Iron Hearts”
Written by: Hans Goebeler, with John Vanzo
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: December 20, 2004
ISBN-10: 1932714316

 

 

Details about “Playing With The Enemy”
Written by: Gary W. Moore
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 0143113887

 

 

Details about “All-Black Rangers”
Written by: Edward L. Posey
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714456

 

 

Details about “The Maps of Chickamauga”
Written by: David Powell
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714723

 

 

Details about “Major General Robert E. Rodes”
Written by: Darrell L. Collins
Hardcover: 524 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 7, 2008
ISBN-10: 193271409X

 

 

Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Written by: J. David Petruzzi with maps by Steven Stanley
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634

 Mike’s Interview with J. David Petruzzi

 

Details about “Sickles at Gettysburg”
Written by: James A. Hessler
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 29, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714642

 Mike’s interview with James Hessler

 

Details about “Those Damned Black Hats”
Written by: Lance J. Herdegen
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714480

 

 

Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200

 

 

Details about “One Continuous Fight ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X

 

 

Details about “The Maps of Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 19, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714359

 

 

Details about “The Maps of Bull Run”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 10, 2009
ISBN-10: 193271460X

 Mike’s interview with Dr. Bradley Gottfried

 

Details about “Shiloh and the Western Campaign of 1862”
Written by: Edward Cunningham and Gary D. Joiner and Timothy B. Smith (editors)
Hardcover: 520 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714278

 

 

Details about “The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln”
Written by: Larry Tagg
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714618

 

 

Details about “Chicago’s Battery Boys: The Chicago Mercantile Battery in the Civil War’s Western Theater”
Written by: Richard Brady Williams
Paperback: 636 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 15, 2005
ISBN-10: 1932714383

 

Details about “Army of the Potomac: McClellan’s First Campaign, March – May 1862”
Written by: Russell Beatie
Paperback: 864 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 5, 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714251

 

 

Details about “Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign, Volume 2”
Written by: Terrence Winschel
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714219

 

 

Details about “A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the American Civil War”
Written by: Michael Martin
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714189

 

Details about “The Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads and the Civil War’s Final Campaign”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714170

 Mike’s interview with Eric J. Wittenberg

 

Details about “Champion Hill: Decisive Battle for Vicksburg”
Written by: Timothy B. Smith
Paperback: 520 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 15, 2004
ISBN-10: 1932714197

 

 

Details about “Capital Navy: The Men, Ships, and Operations of the James River Squadron”
Written by: John Coski
Paperback: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 21, 1996
ISBN-10: 1932714154

 

All these titles can be purchased directly from Savas Beatie, LLC by clicking HERE.

I recently finished reading Eric J. Wittenberg’s newest book, “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short But Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.”  I first became aware of Eric’s excellent books when I read the books he published with J. David Petruzzi and Michael Nugent, “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg” and “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.”  Since then, I have read many of the books he has published.  They are all quite good, so when Eric let me know his newest book was available, I was excited to get a copy to review.

Eric is an attorney by trade, but a Civil War Historian at heart.  As he has often told me, writing is his second job – and you can feel his passion for the Civil War, especially the cavalry, when you read his books.  Eric is also the publisher of the popular Civil War blog, “Rantings of a Civil War Historian.”  Hailing from eastern Pennsylvania, Wittenberg became interested in the Civil War at an early age.  He and his wife, Susan, live in Columbus, Ohio.

With regards to his new book, it is a real page turner.  I spent a couple of late nights reading “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly,” as I just could not put it down.  Like most Civil War enthusiasts, I had read briefly about the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid in other narratives.  It was a fascinating event during the Civil War, but something that has not been written about extensively.  Wittenberg’s book analyzes the raid extensively, but it is much more – it is the only biography written on the life of Ulric Dahlgren.  “Ully” was the son of Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, who is considered the “father of American naval ordinance.”  Ully would receive an excellent education at Rittenhouse Academy, but would never enter any military school.  Growing up around the Washington Naval Yard, Ulric would spend a great deal of time around heavy guns and would become quite adept with their usage.  While a teenager, Dahlgren would visit his uncle, Charles Dahlgren, in Mississippi.  While there he would learn surveying and become a very accomplished equestrian.

Returning to Washington in August 1860, Dahlgren would witness the growing crisis of a potential Abraham Lincoln presidency.  In September he would go to Philadelphia to study law under his maternal uncle, John W. Paul.  An extremely smart young man, Dahlgren would never enter the bar as he would be drawn in with the growing patriotism of the North, after Lincoln’s election and the start of the secession crisis.  While his father wanted him to continue his studies he knew he could not keep the adventurous Ully from serving his county.

Dahlgren would reach Washington City on July 1.  Spending time with his father, who was the unofficial naval aid of Lincoln, Ully would have access to the president and other high ranking civilian and military leaders.  Splitting his time between the naval yard and the growing army camps in Northern Virginia, he would yearn to take an active part in the defense of his country.  He would get his chance over the coming months.

Dahlgren served in several campaigns including Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Shenandoah Campaign, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  He would reach the rank of captain while serving on the staff of major generals Franz Sigel and Joseph Hooker.  Serving with distinction and bravery, he would take part in the largest cavalry battle in North America, Brandy Station.  Dahlgren would become invaluable in providing quality intelligence and leading several independent scouting missions – the most valuable being Gettysburg - where he would intercept valuable intelligence for US Major General George Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac.  During the Federal pursuit of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, Dahlgren would rally troops at the Battle of Hagerstown where he would be wounded, eventually having to have his lower leg amputated.  While convalescing in Washington D.C., it was uncertain whether he would live.  During this uncertain time, Lincoln would promote Dahlgren to colonel, jumping the ranks of major and lieutenant colonel.  He would be the youngest soldier, at that time, to reach that rank in the Army of the Potomac.

After a partial recovery from his wounds, Ulric would return to the Army of the Potomac’s camps, at Stevensburg, Virginia, on February 22.  On February 28, Dahlgren would join with US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick on a cavalry raid to Richmond, Virginia.  The original goal of the raid was to free the captive Federal prisoners from Belle Island and Libby prisons.  Kilpatrick’s command would include nearly 3,600 men and six pieces of artillery.  Dahlgren, commanding the southern flanking force would be in the lead of the column and would have nearly 500 men.  The plan was for him to approach Richmond, from the west, along the James River.  Kilpatrick’s main column would approach from the north, along the Virginia Central Railroad.  Dahlgren was to turn the Confederate’s left flank, entering Richmond, where he would release the prisoners at Belle Island.  Kilpatrick’s column, tearing up track along the way, would arrive at the Richmond defenses on March 1, ahead of Dahlgren’s flanking force.  Unfortunately, the Confederates already knew of the raid and CSA Major General Wade Hampton’s cavalry was waiting for them.  Unable to locate Dahlgren, who had not yet arrived, Kilpatrick determined to retreat back to US Major General Benjamin Butler’s lines near New Kent Court House.  Meanwhile, Dahlgren arrived around 10:00 a.m., and was able to take possession of some empty Rebel outer field works.  He soon ran into Confederate Home Guards at “Roselawn,” the farm of Benjamin Green.  Ully’s troopers would push them back.  After an intense stand-up fight, Dahlgren believed the Confederates had received reinforcements and ordered a withdrawal – this after having pushed the enemy nearly 2 1/2 miles.  The raid would end along a dark road in King and Queen County, near Walkerton.  There, on the morning of March 2, a crack force of Confederate cavalry, commanded by CSA Lieutenant James Pollard, would ambush Dahlgren’s command.  Dahlgren, at the head of his column, would be killed instantly, in the short fight, having been hit multiple times.  A colonel for less than a month, Ulric would fall from his mount, landing in the mud, face down.  The Confederates recovered Dahlgren’s papers and journal, which would create a controversy that continues today. 

Wittenberg’s excellent research and well written prose make the story of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, and the controversy of the “Dahlgren Papers” jump off the page with fantastic imagery.  Fast paced and easy to read it is both a biography and a short battle history of the engagements that Ulric fought in.  However, the author saves the best for last.  With the skills of an attorney adroitly arguing his case, the author assesses the life of Ulric Dahlgren and the authenticity of his papers.  The author of this review cannot divulge either the assessment of Dahlgren’s life or the authenticity of the papers as it would pale in comparison to the fine work of Mr. Wittenberg.  What I will say is that this book should be purchased by all Civil War scholars and students as it provides a “looking-glass” into the life of an intriguing Union soldier that has been overlooked by historians for nearly 15 decades.  The closing chapters should not be taken by themselves, but in the context of the entire book.  Like me, I am sure you will feel you have learned a great deal by reading “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly.”

Details about “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 318 pages
Publisher: Edinborough Press
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1889020338

 

 

It was my pleasure to recently interview Mr. Wittenberg.  The conversation was very engaging and he provided a lot of details on “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly,” and other things he is working on.  Like previous interviews, I have separated the audio into multiple parts.  They can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

Eric J. Wittenberg Interview – 7 Parts
Total Time: 52 minutes, 33 seconds

Part 1:  

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Time: 7:45
Contents: Welcome | About Eric Wittenberg | How Eric became interested in the Civil War & the cavalry | Why write about Ulric Dahlgren? | Researching “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly” | The impact of Ully’s visit to Mississippi

Part 2:  

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Time: 7:49
Contents: The influence of Admiral Dahlgren on young Ulric | Access to Abraham Lincoln | Serving as Franz Sigel’s chief of ordinance

Part 3:  

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Time: 7:15
Contents: Ully’s coming of age as a Union scout | The scouting raid of Fredericksburg | Dahlgren serving on Joe Hooker’s staff | Disappointments with being passed over for promotion

Part 4:  

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Time: 6:56
Contents: Ulric’s bravery at the Battle of Brandy Station | The maturation of young Ully | Scouting during the Gettysburg Campaign | The Battle of Hagerstown | Ulric’s injury and slow recovery

Part 5:  

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Time: 7:18
Contents: Full military burial for a portion of young Dahlgren | Participation in the Kilpatrick Raid on Richmond | The execution of Martin Robinson | Dahlgren’s vainglorious continuation of the raid on Richmond

Part 6:  

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Time: 7:59
Contents: Ulric’s death and the discovery of his papers | The secret burial of Ulric Dahlgren | The memoir of Confederate Partisan Ranger William Patteson

Part 7:  

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Time: 7:31
Contents: A glimpse of Wittenberg’s final analysis | CSA Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early’s analysis | Future books Eric is working on | Wrap up

Check out other great Civil War titles by Eric J. Wittenberg

  
Details about “Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 131 pages
Publisher: Thomas Publications (PA)
Date of First Edition: January 1998
ISBN-10: 1577470354

 

 

Details about “We Have It Damned Hard Out Here: The Civil War Letters of Sergeant Thomas W. Smith”
Written by: Thomas W. Smith (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (author/editor)
Hardcover: 175 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: April 1999
ISBN-10: 087338623X

 

Details about “One of Custer’s Wolverines: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Brigadier General James H. Kidd, 6th Michigan Cavalry”
Written by: James Harvey Kidd (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (editor)
Hardcover: 241 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: December 1, 2000
ISBN-10: 0873386701

 

Details about “Under Custer’s Command: The Civil War Journal of James Henry Avery”
Written by: Karla Jean Husby (compiler) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Editor)
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2000
ISBN-10: 1574887440

 

Details about “At Custer’s Side: The Civil War Writings of James Harvey Kidd”
Written by: James Harvey Kidd (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Editor)
Hardcover: 140 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: March 2001
ISBN-10: 0873386876

 

 
Details about “Glory Enough For All: Sheridan’s Second Raid and the Battle of Trevillian Station”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Bison Books
Date of First Edition: 2001
ISBN-10: 0803259670

 

Details about “With Sheridan in the Final Campaign Against Lee”
Written by: Frederick C. Newhall (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Author/Editor)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press
Date of First Edition: July 2002
ISBN-10: 0807127566

 

 
Details about “Little Phil: A Reassessment of the Civil War Leadership of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2002
ISBN-10: 1574885480

 

Details about “Protecting the Flanks: The Battles for Brinkerhoff’s Ridge and East Cavalry Field, Battle of Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 203 pages
Publisher: Ironclad Publishing
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2002
ISBN-10: 0967377021

 

Details about “The Union Cavalry Comes of Age: Hartwood Church to Brandy Station, 1863”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2003
ISBN-10: 1574886509

 

Details about “Battle for Monroe’s Crossroads and the Civil War’s Final Campaign”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714170

 
 

Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg & J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200

 

Details about “Rush’s Lancers: The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Civil War”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Westholme Publishing
Date of First Edition: January 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 1594160325

 

 
Details about “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat From Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi & Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X

I am in the process of finishing Eric Wittenberg’s newest book, “Like a Meteor Burning Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.” This is the first biography of Dahlgren, who was killed during US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s Richmond Raid on March 2, 1864. Permanently crippled after the Battle of Hagerstown, Dahlgren would have his lower leg amputated. This did not slow the ambitious, fearless “Ully” Dahlgren. While recovering from his wounds he stated, “I stay to take part in the great fight; if I die, what death more glorious than the death of men fighting for their country? Life is only the vestibule to real existence; a state of preparation for the future. Every one has something to fulfill in this world as in a school. The duty must be faithfully performed here, or the penalty be paid hereafter.”

Almost predicting his own death, Dahlgren continued, “I always feel a conviction that in going into battle I may never return alive. I think over my sins and pray God to pardon them. I never go down to the fight without first offering prayer to the Almighty for forgiveness and acceptance!”(i)

Just a few short weeks later, Dahlgren would be killed near Richmond, Virginia.

Ulric Dahlgren is a fascinating and controversial Civil War figure. Eric’s new book has thrown a light on his amazing, albeit short, life. Watch in the near future for a complete review of this fascinating book.

(i) Wittenberg, Eric J., Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, published by Edinborough Press in 2009, Pg. 153.

This blog article was published remotely using WordPress for Blackberry.

Late last year, I heard rumors that my friend, J. David Petruzzi, was coming out with a new book.  I was quite excited as I had read his previous books, “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg,” co-authored with Eric J. Wittenberg and “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat From Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Norther Virginia, July 4–14, 1863,” co-authored by Eric Wittenberg, and Michael F. Nugent.  Both of these books rank near the top of my “favorite Civil War books list,” and I highly recommend them.  When I had learned that J.D.’s new book was a guide to the Battle of Gettysburg, part of me was less than enthused.  With so many Gettysburg guides, I wondered what Petruzzi could offer, that was unique.  J.D. was kind enough to send me the entire book electronically, so I could review it.  After reading through the index, I quickly realized this book was sorely needed.  “The Complete Gettysburg Guide” is the only guide on Gettysburg anyone will ever need.  Not to disparage other Gettysburg guides, because there are other good ones, but none approach the level of this book.  Let me explain my justifications.

First, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide” offers more detail on the actions that took place before, and during the battle, than has previously been offered.  While not a complete narrative on the entire battle at Gettysburg, a novice to the battle will come away with a thorough understanding of the battle that would rival what they would learn by reading one of the better written books on Gettysburg.  With that said, someone like myself, who has read dozens of books on the battle, and has walked Gettysburg many times, will also learn many new things.  While you read the “Guide,” you will fully appreciate the many years that Petruzzi has spent studying the battle.

Second, the “Guide” has more maps than I have ever seen in any book, much less a battlefield guide – 72 by my count, including several period specific maps.  The author enlisted professional cartographer Steven Stanley to produce the maps and the fantastic photography used throughout the book.  Stanley, who many avid Civil War buffs know, through the use of his maps by the Civil War Preservation Trust, is undoubtedly today’s best cartographer.  The maps alone make this book a terrific value.  As I had mentioned to J.D., during our interview, every time that I wanted a map, to follow his text, it was either on the page I was reading, or the next page.

Third, Petruzzi uses many firsthand accounts of the actions on, and around, Gettysburg.  This makes the book very enjoyable to read.  Here is an example that I really enjoyed, “I would rather die on this spot than see those rascals gain one inch of ground.” US Brigadier General Stephen Weed’s last words.(i)  Weed died seconds later.

Fourth, the “Guide” allows the Gettysburg visitor to locate many out-of-the-way markers and unique battlefield sites.  I especially like the chapters on historic sites in village of Gettysburg, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, Evergreen Cemetery, Rock Carvings (actual carvings by battle participants) and the outlying field hospitals.  These can take you off the “beaten path” and allow you to see, “…primary “documents” (that) reside on the battlefield itself…”(ii)

If you are planning a visit to Gettysburg, anytime in the future, you need to add this book to your collection.  For those of you that have never been to Gettysburg, or for those seasoned Civil War enthusiasts, I encourage you to buy this book for the narrative, maps and pictures.  It is a great stand alone narrative of the battle with new material that you will not find in any other full length books on the Battle of Gettysburg.

Enjoy reading this great book!

I had the pleasure of interviewing J. David Petruzzi, on Friday, May 29.  The links below allow you to listen to the interview.  There are eleven parts, so you can listen to all of them, or a few at a time, until you are done.  J.D. gives some great insights on writing this book, and his experiences at Gettysburg National Battlefield Park.  Let me know what you think about the interview, and “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” by posting a comment on the article/interview.  I am certain that J.D. will be monitoring the comments.  If you leave a question for him, I am certain he will leave an answer for you.

Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634

J. David Petruzzi Interview – 11 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 4 minutes, 27 seconds

Part 1: 

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Time: 7:11
Contents: Welcome | About J. David Petruzzi | Growing interest in the Civil War | Why write a new Gettysburg guide? | Discussion of Petruzzi’s writing style

Part 2: 

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Time: 8:10
Contents: The “most” Complete Gettysburg Guide | Petruzzi explains how he has learned about Gettysburg | Hidden treasures of the Day 1 tour | Prelude to the Wheat Field fighting – easy to miss areas on Day 2 | Helping readers understand the complicated parts of the battlefield

Part 3: 

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Time: 3:53
Contents: Prelude to the Wheat Field (continued) | Can there be a complete Gettysburg guide? | Benefit of walking vs. driving

Part 4: 

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Time: 8:28
Contents: Discussion on Steve Stanley’s maps | Steve Stanley’s contribution to the layout/design of The Complete Gettysburg Guide

Part 5: 

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Time: 5:18
Contents: How long J.D. has been working on book | Discussion on the “Complete Guide’s” introduction

Part 6: 

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Time: 7:23
Contents: Further discussion on the introduction | J.D.’s thoughts on writing magazine articles | Discussion on first hand accounts of battle | Publisher Ted Savas’ influence on the book

Part 7: 

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Time: 2:58
Contents: The use of GPS coordinates in the “Complete Guide”

Part 8: 

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Time: 5:41
Contents: Unique and little known sites at Gettysburg | Petruzzi’s methodology of research through listening | “Complete Guide” as a stepping stone to more complete knowledge of Gettysburg

Part 9: 

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Time: 5:39
Contents: Coordinating text with the maps | Collaborating with Steve Stanley | Using the “Complete Guide” while visiting Gettysburg

Part 10: 

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Time: 4:31
New areas to explore at Gettysburg | Students and schools using as a treasure hunt

Part 11: 

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Time: 4:56
Upcoming projects and books | Thank you and wrap up

Other Titles by J. David Petruzzi

Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg
J. David Petruzzi and Eric Wittenberg

Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200

 

One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, July 4 – 14, 1863
J. David Petruzzi, Eric Wittenberg and Michael F. Nugent

Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X 

 

(i) Petruzzi, J. David and Stanley, Steven, The Complete Gettysburg Guide, published by Savas Beatie, LLC. 2009, Pg. 85.
(ii) Petruzzi, J. David and Stanley, Steven, The Complete Gettysburg Guide, published by Savas Beatie, LLC. 2009, Pg. 242.