• Published after World War II (as with Eric and LaFantasie, this removes many notable narratives from my list)
• No biographies
• No narratives from participants of the battles
• No multi-volume works or series

I have modified my criteria to include multi-volume narratives and one notable book from a participant. In addition, as I am a HUGE fan of biographies, I have included a smaller list of biographies separate of the narrative list. Also, unlike Eric and Professor LaFantasie, I have limited my list to include only books that I would consider to be tactical studies of the battle or campaign. This eliminates several books that most Civil War students would add to their top 12 lists: A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton, Battle Cry of Freedom by James M. McPherson and The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War, also by Bruce Catton.

While I found it pretty easy to pick out my top 12 battle/campaign narratives, I must say it was much more difficult to put them in rank order. Obviously this is very subjective and I’m certain this order would change slightly if I were to rank them three months from now.

12. Perryville: This Grand Havoc of Battle, by: Kenneth W. Noe – The Battle of Perryville was inevitably one of the most ill-conceived battles that CSA General Braxton Bragg fought. Instead of leading a victorious army to the Ohio River, Bragg would be forced to retreat into central Tennessee. Often the lack of water, caused by the summer and fall drought of 1862, is listed as the impetus for this battle, it probably lies more with faulty intelligence. Bragg believed he was facing a much smaller force than he actually faced. Noe is an excellent story teller and his research of this battle is impeccable. This book is well worth its cost and was recently released in paperback. I interviewed Ken Noe in July 2010 about his newest release, “Reluctant Rebels.” Portions of the interview discussed “Perryville.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

11. For Cause & For Country: A Study of the Affair at Spring Hill & the Battle of Franklin, by: Eric A. Jacobson and Richard A. Rupp – The Affair at Spring Hill and Battle of Franklin have always been two of my favorite engagements in the Western Theater. Eric does a wonderful job portraying the intense fighting at Franklin and Hood’s lost opportunities at Spring Hill. This is a must read for anyone that is interested in the Confederate Army of Tennessee or John Bell Hood.

10. Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg, by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi – I have studied the Battle of Gettysburg for years. There is a plethora of studies on this battle – so many that I may publish a separate article on my favorites. One thing that has been missing over the years, however, is a study of the Confederate cavalry actions during the Gettysburg Campaign. Published in 2006, by the excellent press Savas Beatie LLC, “Plenty of Blame to Go Around” fills the void on Confederate cavalry actions during the campaign. Wittenberg, considered an expert on Civil War cavalry, partnered with J. David Petruzzi, an expert on the Gettysburg Campaign, to write this detailed analysis. This book is so well written that an experienced Wittenberg reader, such as myself, has difficulty determining which author is writing, when. As always, Savas Beatie published a great book that will last through the generations. If you are a cavalry aficionado, this book needs to be in your library.

9. The Louisiana Tigers in the Gettysburg Campaign: June – July 1863, by: Scott L. Mingus, Sr. – As a student of individual brigades and regiments of the Civil War, I always appreciate histories of individual fighting units. This book provides an operational analysis of the Louisiana Tigers (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Louisiana infantry regiments) which was commanded by Brigadier General Harry T. Hays during the Gettysburg Campaign. Mingus’ vivid prose jumps off the pages while they quickly go by. The author is able to capture the actions of individual soldiers while tightly weaving the narrative into the larger structural analysis that encompasses the Gettysburg Campaign – a tall order indeed. This book details the fighting along Cemetery Ridge on July 2 and 3, 1863 – a brutal clash that is often skimmed over by other Gettysburg studies. If you enjoy reading about Gettysburg, your library is not complete without this great book. I interviewed Scott Mingus in March 2010 about “The Louisiana Tigers.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

8. Taken at the Flood: Robert E. Lee and Confederate Strategy in the Maryland Campaign of 1862, by: Joseph L. Harsh – Dr. Joseph L. Harsh is one of the foremost experts on the Maryland Campaign of 1862, which included the Battle of Antietam. Grab any modern narrative on this brutal campaign, and look at the notes and bibliography. Without a doubt, Harsh’s “Taken at the Flood” is one of the secondary sources cited. This is, without a doubt, one of the best battle narratives written – on any campaign. It is a must have for any serious student of the Civil War. Sadly, the Civil War community lost a legend when Dr. Harsh passed away in September 2010.

7. This Terrible Sound: The Battle of Chickamauga, by Peter Cozzens – With the exception of Gettysburg, Chickamauga National Battlefield is the battlefield that I have visited most often. It is wonderfully preserved and still has a remoteness about it that takes one back in time. The battle itself is very complex and can be difficult to interpret while tromping the battlefield. My first couple of visits were made before I read Cozzen’s narrative on the battle. Today, I never leave for Chickamauga without this book. It is, without a doubt, the best book written on this sanguinary fight and deserves to be on my top 12 list.

6. From Winchester to Cedar Creek: The Shenandoah Campaign of 1864, by: Jeffry D. Wert – Historian Jeffry Wert is well known in the Civil War community. He has written extensively for Civil War periodicals and has written no less than nine books on the war. I have always admired the gutsy leadership of US Major General Philip Sheridan during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. After nearly reaching Washington City, during the summer of 1864, CSA Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early’s Army of the Valley posed a continuing threat to the north. Wert’s exceptional narrative takes the reader on a detailed journey through Sheridan’s pursuit of Early in the Shenandoah Valley and its near annihilation at the Battle of Cedar Creek.

5. Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign in the West, by: William L. Shea and Earl J. Hess – Pea Ridge National Battlefield is one of two fields of battle that I consider my “home” battlefields. Situated in northwest Arkansas, Pea Ridge also is known for a wayside tavern located on the battlefield: Elkhorn Tavern. In March of 1862, US Major General Samuel R. Curtis invaded northwest Arkansas to attack the Confederate forces of Major General Earl Van Dorn. The battle was a decisive victory for the United States and would mark the high point in Curtis’ brilliant career. Shea and Hess’ “Pea Ridge” is the definitive study on this battle and is an extremely fast paced book. Their tactical narrative is second to none and their extensive research pays off in a book that is enjoyable to read and overflowing with detail.

4. Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market and the Opening of the Shenandoah Campaign, May 1864, by: Charles R. Knight. I had limited knowledge of the Battle of New Market before reading Mr. Knight’s first book. Unfortunately it has often been overshadowed by US Major General Phil Sheridan’s decisive Shenandoah Campaign later in 1864. Most notable as the battle that pitted VMI cadets against US Major General Franz Sigel’s Federal forces, it is much more than that. Knight adroitly leads the reader through a battle that terrain played a decisive role in. The imagery the author’s prose paints allows the reader to feel they are taking part in the battle. Knight, who previously worked as a historical interpreter at New Market, uncovered significant amounts of previously unused primary source material for “Valley Thunder.” William C. Davis, author of the well respected “The Battle of New Market” (1983) wrote the foreword for Knight’s book and proclaimed, “Valley Thunder surely takes its place now among the dozen finest and most complete accounts of any Civil War action…” If you have an interest in superb tactical analyses, this narrative deserves a place in your Civil War library. I interviewed Charlie Knight in June 2010 about “Valley Thunder.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

3. The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Volume 1: South Mountain, by: Ezra Carman edited by: Thomas G. Clemens – Here I deviate from Professor LaFantasie and Wittenberg. Colonel Ezra Carman, of the 13th New Jersey Infantry, wrote one of the most exhaustive studies of the Maryland Campaign. Encompassing years of research and interviews with participants in the campaign, Carman’s unpublished manuscript has been used for decades by historians writing about the campaign. A quick glance through the notes and bibliography of Harsh’s landmark “Taken at the Flood,” (number 8 on this list) reveals countless references to Carman’s work. While Carman’s manuscript reveals his political leanings and potentially jaded criticism of US Major General George B. McClellan, this deficiency is more than overcome by his knowledge and research of the armies’ movements. This is all well and good, but what makes this work superb enough to be on my top 12 list? The footnoting of editor Tom Clemens. Sometimes I am guilty of not reading all of the footnotes. Not so with this book – I devoured all of them. Often Clemens’ candidness would leave me laughing. More often amazed at the depth of his research. If the reader skips the footnotes they are missing what makes this work so phenomenal - Clemens’ extensive research and knowledge of the Maryland Campaign. Kudos also have to go to Savas Beatie LLC. The work in publishing a book is significantly compounded by including all of the footnotes on the page that references them. By taking the extra time, Ted Savas made this book easier and more enjoyable to read. It is well worth the cost. I for one am looking forward to Clemens’ forthcoming analysis of Carman’s manuscript on the Battle of Antietam. I interviewed Dr. Clemens in August 2010 about “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

2. Return to Bull Run: The Campaign and Battle of Second Manassas, by: John J. Hennessy – The Second Battle of Manassas was one of the most devastating defeats for the United States during 1862 – a year that witnessed the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days and the Battle of Fredericksburg. When Abraham Lincoln brought US Major General John Pope east, to command the recently created Army of Virginia, he envisioned two Federal armies, operating as a regional juggernaut, ultimately crushing CSA General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. This would require cooperation between the commanding generals of each army if victory was to be achieved. Lincoln did not anticipate the bickering and jealousies that would characterize the relationship between Pope and Major General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac. Historian John Hennessy’s narrative on the Second Manassas Campaign is without a doubt the defining work on the campaign.

1) The Overland Series, by: Gordon C. Rhea which includes The Battle of the Wilderness, May 5-6, 1864, The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern, May 7-12, 1864, To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13-25, 1864 and Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26 – June 3, 1864. Again, I have charted a different course than Wittenberg and LaFantasie. They chose not to include any multi-part series which left out Gordon Rhea whose series on Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign is by far the best tactical analysis I’ve ever read. What struck me most about this author’s work is how easy they were to read, while being extremely complex in details. Each book in the series stands well by itself, but when taken cumulatively they are absolutely masterful. Comprising nearly 2,100 pages it is the definitive work on the “knock ‘em out” pile driver offensive of General Grant. Rhea provides criticism where appropriate and takes no prisoners in this epic work. I personally look forward to his next book on the final movement of the armies to Petersburg, Virginia.

While I enjoy reading battle narratives more than any other type of book, I would be remiss if I did not mention a few notable biographies that stand out amongst my Civil War titles. The best of these, in my humble opinion, offer detailed historical information on the subject plus well thought out analyses of the leadership of the individual on the battlefield. Additionally, they must be as balanced as possible. Here are my top five Civil War biographies:

5. Grant: A Biography, by: William S. McFeely – This book was the winner of the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for biographies and autobiographies. McFeely does a superb job detailing the life of Hiram Ulysses Grant – better known as Ulysses S. Grant. The book is easy to read and moves at a quick pace. McFeely is critical of many of Grant’s decisions, particularly during his presidency. While Grant’s legacy has improved over the past two decades, I’m certain this book will continue to be the superlative work on our 18th president.

4. Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol, by William C. Davis – Only one general on either side of the American Civil War could claim the honor of being vice president of the United States: John C. Breckinridge. Noted historian, William C. Davis brings this seminal statesman, and soldier, to life in this brilliant study on the Kentuckian. As with all of Davis’ work, it is extremely well researched and interesting to read. Recently re-released by the University Press of Kentucky, it is a massive volume spanning over 700 pages.

3. Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend, by: James I. Robertson, Jr. – Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson is a legend. All one has to do is drive the roads of Northern Virginia to see the reverence his name holds. Roads, shopping centers and monuments dot the countryside paying homage to his name. Robertson’s work takes a pro-southern stance and while it is obvious that Robertson enjoyed writing about him, his biography is very solid. This book is inevitably on many bookshelves throughout the south, but anyone with an interest in the great “Stonewall” should read Robertson’s book.

2. Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, by: James A. Hessler. For any serious student of the American Civil War the mere mention of Daniel E. Sickles will inevitably conjure up what most historians have written for years – that Sickles was a scoundrel and murderer. Jim Hessler’s book, “Sickles at Gettysburg,” may not change one’s ultimate opinion of the man, but it provides an extremely well balanced look at the controversial man. Few of his era ever questioned his bravery. Most would probably state he was a political general with no business as a high ranking officer in the U.S. Army. The first statement is true. He won promotions mostly partly due to his political connections. The second part of the statement may not be as clear cut. Did Sickles possess a tactical understanding of leading men into battle? Did he keep his cool when leading his men? Did his personal presence on the battlefield inspire his men to fight? Did he operate with alacrity when the situation called for it? Hessler’s well written biography offers the readers a true opportunity to assess Sickles strengths and weaknesses. It is certainly not a “pro-Sickles” biography. Before you answer the questions I have posed, I highly recommend you read “Sickles at Gettysburg.” This is a book I truly enjoyed reading. I interviewed Jim Hessler in July 2009 about “Sickles at Gettysburg.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

1. Major General Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia: A Biography, by: Darrell L. Collins – Once in a great while a biography comes along that provides a “fresh look” at a Civil War officer. Darrell Collins’ recent release, “Major General Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia,” is just such a book. Not only is it a “fresh look,” it is the first biography written on Rodes. Rodes, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), would rise in rank from colonel of the 5th Alabama Infantry to major general in command of a division in the 2d Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. I find it incredulous that a division commander in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia has never had a biography written about him. Collins’ book is very well written demonstrating the significant amount of time the author spent on research. While his correspondence with his wife, Hortense, is forever lost to history (she burned her personal letters from her husband) Collins was able to obtain many letters exchanged with his father, friends and professional military associates. Rodes was a capable soldier, brave to a fault, a faithful husband and a man of strong moral beliefs. I came away from reading this biography with a much better understanding of Rodes and an appreciation for the courage he demonstrated while leading his troops. If you don’t read any other biography in 2011, I recommend you purchase this fantastic book. I interviewed Darrell Collins in July 2010 about “Major General Robert E. Rodes.” To read the interview click HERE.

While this ranking is subjective, at best, it represents what I believe to be the best books I’ve read. I’m sure through the prism of time, there will be changes to my list. However, I am just as confident that all of these will stand the test time. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on my list. Enjoy your reading and studying in 2011.

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I interviewed Petruzzi last June and Hessler last July.  Check out the interviews and reviews of these two books.

J. David Petruzzi Interview

James A. Hessler Interview

Congratulations to J.D., Steve and Jim!

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Savas Beatie Books Earn Literary Awards

El Dorado Hills, CA June 15, 2010 – Savas Beatie, LLC, is proud to announce the following historical awards and notable mentions.

“We are proud of our authors and titles,” noted managing director Theodore P. Savas, “and are humbled and honored by these awards.”

WINNER
The Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award, for Reference, 2009

The Complete Gettysburg Guide: Walking and Driving Tours of the Battlefield, Town, Cemeteries, Field Hospital Sites, and other Topics of Historical Interest
by J. David Petruzzi, with cartography by Steven Stanley (Savas Beatie, 2009)

At its Thirteenth Annual Members’ Meeting, held on Sunday at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, the Army Historical Foundation recognized five books and three articles as outstanding achievements in writing on U.S. Army history. AHF President GEN William W. Hartzog, USA-Ret., announced the winners of the 2009 AHF Distinguished Writing Awards. The book award winners received a plaque honoring the book and a $1,000 cash award.

“J. David Petruzzi and Steven Stanley’s The Complete Gettysburg Guide is the definitive reference book for anyone planning to visit the Gettysburg battlefield,” said Matthew Seelinger, the Army Historical Foundation’s Chief Historian and Program Coordinator for the Foundation’s Distinguished Writing Awards Program.

“To be recognized by the U.S. Army Historical Foundation and to win this award is a great honor,” said author J. David Petruzzi. “Our primary goal was to motivate folks to walk the actual grounds traversed by the soldiers and citizens during the Battle of Gettysburg. That the book was recognized as the Reference Book of the Year humbles me greatly. Steve Stanley’s beautiful maps, layout and design make the book so easy and enjoyable to use, and we appreciate this honor more than can be expressed in mere words.”

Cartographer Steven Stanley agreed. “I am extremely grateful and blessed to have worked with J.D. Petruzzi on this project. His knowledge of the battle is mind blowing and his elegant writing was a perfect marriage with my maps and photos,” Stanley said. “I want to thank the U.S. Army Historical Foundation for this great honor and also want to thank our publisher Savas Beatie for believing in this book and giving us the free license on designing our book.”

The Army Historical Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the American soldier. Its goal is to promote greater public appreciation for the contributions that America’s Army – Active, Reserve, and National Guard – has made to the nation in 233 years of service.

The AHF Distinguished Writing Awards program was established in 1997 to recognize authors who make a significant contribution to the literature on U.S. Army history. Each year nominations are submitted to the Awards Committee by publishers and journal editors. A small group of finalists are selected and a final judging is made. For more information on the Foundation and its activities, please visit the AHF website at www.armyhistory.org.

About the Authors: J. David Petruzzi is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading Gettysburg experts.  In addition to his numerous articles for a wide variety of publications, he is the author (with Eric Wittenberg) of bestsellers Plenty of Blame to Go Around: JEB Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg (Savas Beatie, 2006) and (with Wittenberg and Michael Nugent) One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863 (Savas Beatie, 2008). Petruzzi is also a popular speaker on the Civil War Round Table circuit and regularly conducts tours of Civil War battlefields.

Steven Stanley lives in Gettysburg and is a graphics artist specializing in historical map design and battlefield photography. His maps, considered among the best in historical cartography, have been a longtime staple of the Civil War Preservation Trust and have helped raise millions of dollars for the Trust through their preservation appeals and interpretation projects. Steve’s maps have appeared in a wide variety of publications.

WINNER
The Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award, 2009
Given by the Robert E. Lee Civil War Round Table of Central New Jersey

Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg
by James A. Hessler (Savas Beatie, 2009)

The Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award is presented annually to the most original outstanding work on the Gettysburg Campaign. “[Sickles at Gettysburg] is now the standard working on Sickles,” award committee members stated. “Hessler takes a fresh approach to Sickles’ role in the battle of Gettysburg that enables readers to make their own determination on his controversial move forward.” Furthermore, committee members called the book, “an excellent portrait of a man who was larger than life.”

“I know that several excellent Gettysburg books were released last year, so I am truly honored to win this award,” said James Hessler. “When I wrote this book, I was not sure that the world would want to read a new Dan Sickles biography, so I continue to be thrilled by the reception and support that this book has gotten from the historical community. Love him or hate him, Dan Sickles is an important part of Gettysburg so his story deserved to be told.”

About the Author: James A. Hessler works in the financial services industry and is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has taught Sickles and Gettysburg-related courses for Harrisburg Area Community College and the Gettysburg Foundation. In addition to writing articles for publication, Hessler speaks regularly at Civil War Round Tables. A native of Buffalo, NY, he resides in Gettysburg with his wife and children.

About Savas Beatie, LLC:

Savas Beatie, LLC is a leading military and general history publishing company. Visit www.savasbeatie.com for more information.

Contact:
Sarah Keeney, Marketing Director, Savas Beatie, LLC
Email: sarahs@savasbeatie.com
Phone: 916-941-6896
Fax: 916-941-6895

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10. The end of Sri Lanka’s Civil War

9. H1N1 – The Swine Flu

8. Mexico’s Bloody Drug War

7. Pakistan: On the Verge of Breakdown

6. The Death of Michael Jackson

5. Massacre at Fort Hood

4. The Divisive Debate Over Healthcare Reform

3. Iran’s Tumultuous Election and Its Aftermath

2. Afghanistan: Can the U.S. Avoid a Quagmire?

1. America’s Economic Crisis

While most news stories, that would make an annual Top 10 list, are going to involve bloodshed, or death, two of last year’s top stories, at Time magazine, did not: “The Divisive Debate Over Healthcare Reform” and “America’s Economic Crisis.”  Obviously these stories will continue to make news headlines over the coming year.

After reading Time Magazine’s Top 10 list of news stories for 2009, I decided to assemble my own list.  The Top 10 most popular articles on This Mighty Scourge for 2009.  While totally unscientific, it certainly points out which articles my readers liked the most.  As I have done in previous lists, I have left out the articles on the Wilderness Wal-Mart, and other “calls to action,” as they always tend to enjoy a huge spike with little follow-up readership after a couple of days.  My top 10 list for 2009 are articles that have enjoyed consistent readership over long periods during the year.  If you haven’t read all of these articles, they are each hyperlinked so you can do so today.

2009 Top 10 List of Articles on This Mighty Scourge

10. Interview with James A. Hessler, author of “Sickles at Gettysburg” (Click HERE to Read)

9. The Battle of the Crater (Click HERE to Read)

8. Interview with Sally Jenkins & John Stauffer co-authors of “The State of Jones.” (Click HERE to Read) This article has been quite controversial and has been picked up by many news outlets due to the ongoing bickering between Stauffer & Jenkins and Vikki Bynum.

7. Gettysburg National Military Park – A Study in Contrasts (Click HERE to Read)

6. Interview with J. David Petruzzi, author of “The Complete Gettysburg Guide” (Click HERE to Read)

5. Antietam – One Bloody Day in September 1862 (Click HERE to Read)

4. Andersonville Prison – A Photo Essay and History (Click HERE to Read)

3. The Fighting 69^th New York Infantry and the Irish Brigade (Click HERE to Read)

2. Interview with Earl J. Hess, author of “In the Trenches at Petersburg” (Click HERE to Read)

1. Interview with Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Preservation Trust (Click HERE to Read)

It should be noted that a few articles had very impressive finishes, reaching the top 10 list over the past couple of weeks.  Obviously articles that were published earlier in the year, had more time to gain readership.  For those of you interested in the articles that round out the top 20, on This Mighty Scourge, continue reading.  It’s interesting to note, that my mid-December article, on the Battle of Fredericksburg, came in at 14.  A very respectable position for only being available for two weeks.

Filling Out the Top 20 at This Mighty Scourge

11. The Battle of Chancellorsville – Joe Hooker’s Legacy (Click HERE to Read)

12. William T. Sherman – US Major General (Click HERE to Read)

13. Second Manassas – Again the Fields Turned Red (Click HERE to Read)

14. Battle of Fredericksburg – Ambrose Burnside’s First Foray (Click HERE to Read)

15. Robert E. Lee, General – CSA (Click HERE to Read)

16. Battle of the Wilderness – Grant Takes it to Lee (Click HERE to Read)

17. Robert E. Lee Surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia (Click HERE to Read)

18. Wilson’s Creek – the Civil War Breaks Out in the West (Click HERE to Read)

19. Interview with Scott L. Mingus, Sr. – Author of “Flames Beyond Gettysburg” (Click HERE to Read)

20. Albert Sidney Johnston – CSA General (Click HERE to Read)

Thank you for making 2009 a successful year at This Mighty Scourge!

Mike Noirot

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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: Ted Savas Interview Part 1
Time: 3:15
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Ted Savas | Why the publishing business?

Part 2: Ted Savas Interview Part 2
Time: 5:18
Contents:  Was there a specific opportunity Savas Beatie was created to take advantage of? | The changing landscape of publishing

Part 3: Ted Savas Interview Part 3
Time: 4:56
Contents:  About Savas Beatie and the staff | The culture of Savas Beatie

Part 4: Ted Savas Interview Part 4
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: Ted Savas Interview Part 5
Time: 8:33
Contents: Finding the “jewels in the rough” | Passion for your books vs. mass appeal

Part 6: Ted Savas Interview Part 6
Time: 8:00
Contents:  Editing and working with authors | Using knowledgeable editors to create a consistently good product

Part 7: Ted Savas Interview Part 7
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: Ted Savas Interview Part 8
Time: 6:12
Contents:  Mix of books from Savas Beatie | The book, “Flying Drunk”

Part 9: Ted Savas Interview Part 9
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: Ted Savas Interview Part 10
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: Ted Savas Interview Part 11
Time: 5:51
Contents: Ted talks about the differences between different types of publishing houses

Part 12: Ted Savas Interview Part 12
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: Ted Savas Interview Part 13
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.

1. Marsh Creek
2. Barlow’s Knoll
3. Coster Avenue and the Brickyard Fight
4. Spangler Springs/Culp’s Hill
5. Sedgwick Avenue

My first stop was at Marsh Creek, which is where the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia battled CSA Brigadier General John B. Gordon’s detachment on June 26.  This was the opening phase of Gettysburg, before the Army of the Potomac arrived, and was part of Gordon’s Expedition to Wrightsville.  Using the driving directions, and reading the text of the “Tour of Marsh Creek” chapter, I found it easy to find the monument for the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia.  I enjoyed reading JD’s narrative of the actions that took place here.  Heading back to Gettysburg, I found the statue for the 26th with no problem.

Next, I skipped ahead to the “Tour of the First Day of the Battle of Gettysburg” chapter.  Thumbing ahead to page 44, I read about the fighting at Barlow’s Knoll.  While I have been a student of Gettysburg, for a very long time, I went ahead and read through the narrative on this portion of the battle.  Since I had read the book, before my interview with Petruzzi, I knew what I wanted to look for at Barlow’s Knoll.  But I was pleasantly surprised, while reading the section on Barlow’s Knoll, that I felt much more connected with the fighting that took place there, which is an often overlooked portion of the first day’s fighting.  Standing near the Old Almshouse Cemetery, which is on high ground, I really appreciated the maps that cartographer, Steve Stanley, produced for the book.  You can easily visualize the troop movements of Brigadier Generals Doles and Gordon, and the hard fight that Barlow’s division encountered here, along Rock Creek.  To wrap up my visit to Barlow’s Knoll, I walked over to the flagpole where the 17th Connecticut fought.  While there was no flag flying, I experienced a new appreciation for the devotion the 17th Connecticut had, for their lost comrades, when they dedicated this flagpole.

From Barlow’s Knoll, I followed JD’s directions to the Brickyard, at Coster Avenue.  Considering myself somewhat of a veteran Gettysburg battlefield wanderer, when I first read the book, I was surprised to learn about the fighting here.  This fighting is seldom mentioned in narratives on the battle.  Following the directions provided in the book, I drove right to Coster Avenue (it should be noted that Coster Avenue is not listed in a Garmin GPS – it is, however, easy to find by following the directions).  While there are only two monuments here, I again felt very close to the men that fought at the Brickyard.  Perhaps it was because of Steve Stanley’s detailed map!  This small section of the battlefield is owned by the National Park Service, and if you search hard, you can find it on their map.  During the 30 minutes or so, that I was there, no other tourists visited.  This is amazing as Gettysburg was very busy.  It was quite peaceful, and the mural of the fight is amazing.

Leaving the Brickyard, I ventured into the heavy traffic of the main battlefield.  One of the things that I really looked forward to was searching for some of the rock carvings.  I decided to search for Captain David Acheson’s temporary headstone, at the John T. Weikert Farm.  The Weikert Farm is on Wheatfield Road.  While the area was very busy, I was the only person at the Weikert Farm.  Using my Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS, I was disappointed that I could not find the headstone.  After checking the coordinate defaults, I realized that I did not have it set up correctly.  Once I changed the GPS settings, I walked right to the headstone.  Taking some pictures, I headed for the “carved initials” near the 93d Pennsylvania Infantry monument.  After entering the coordinates, provided in the book, I walked right to the rock with the initials on it.  Talk about feeling close to the action!  These were carved by soldiers on the battlefield….  On my way back to the car, I encountered another battlefield wanderer carrying JD’s book.  He did not have a GPS, so I pointed him to the Acheson headstone.  This was one of many occasions, while I was at Gettysburg, that I encountered someone referring to “The Complete Gettysburg Guide.”

From there, I headed to Sedgwick Avenue.  While not detailed in “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” this little traveled road had many monuments.  I took pictures of all of them, as I inevitably will write blog articles on the regiments from the VI Corps, and III Corps, that were positioned there.

My journey to Gettysburg finished with a trip to Spangler Springs/Culp’s Hill.  Once again, I used my GPS to find rock carvings in this area.  When I interviewed Petruzzi, we spoke at length about the rock carvings, and his use of GPS coordinates.  He had mentioned that he envisioned these being used as a modern treasure hunt.  I have to agree with him.  While the coordinates get you very close to the carvings, you still have to search.  Many of the carvings will have weeds, or brush, grown up around them.  This made it fun.  You find the area that JD provides coordinate for, and then you have to search for the rock that holds the carving.  With so many boulders, and rocks, strewn throughout Gettysburg, this is not always as easy as you might expect.

In closing, this book is the definitive guide to the Gettysburg National Battlefield, making its name, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” very appropriate.  If you are planning a trip to Gettysburg, anytime in the future, make sure you either purchase the book there, or preferably before you leave home.  Undoubtedly, if you follow the entire guide, you will need several days to see Gettysburg Battlefield – but it will be worth it!  If you are going for a shorter visit, having the book ahead of time will allow you to plan your visit, making it that more more enjoyable.

Thanks JD, and Steve, for such a great book!

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

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:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 1
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:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 2
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:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 3
Time: 3:53
Contents: Prelude to the Wheat Field (continued) | Can there be a complete Gettysburg guide? | Benefit of walking vs. driving

Part 4:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 4
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:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 5
Time: 5:18
Contents: How long J.D. has been working on book | Discussion on the “Complete Guide’s” introduction

Part 6:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 6
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:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 7
Time: 2:58
Contents: The use of GPS coordinates in the “Complete Guide”

Part 8:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 8
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:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 9
Time: 5:39
Contents: Coordinating text with the maps | Collaborating with Steve Stanley | Using the “Complete Guide” while visiting Gettysburg

Part 10:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 10
Time: 4:31
New areas to explore at Gettysburg | Students and schools using as a treasure hunt

Part 11:  J. David Petruzzi Interview – Part 11
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.