Author: Dobbie Edward Lanbert
ISBN: 0-9633641-0-3
The author has made a significant contribution to the study of America's greatest war (The War Between the States). Grumble explores an idea that national historians have ignored. The junction of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky is a very mountainous area that precluded large armies of occupation. Because of the high mountains, numerous water hazards, and deficient road systems, a large army could not be supplied. Because the gaps in the mountains (particularly the Cumberland Gap) offered both sides the opportunity for deep penetration the area could not be ignored.
Mr. Lambert has presented a good look at the terrain, the indigenous population, and the armies that fought there. The author relates how one of the Confederacy's greatest cavalry officers, Gen. William "Grumble" Jones, got the job of waging war in this remote area After many bitter disputes between Jones and J.E.B. Stuart, Lee was forced to reassign Jones. The bittemess Joncs felt toward Stuart colored command decisions he made and affected the outcome of some battles.
The book relates the many battles in the numerous towns and valleys of the area. Although he battles were not large compared to Gettysburg or the struggle for Richmond; to those who lived, fought, and died there they were of vast importance. The author shows no pro or anti Northern bias as he presents the conflict for the control of the mountain gaps. His use of humor and drawings keeps the book moving. The research he has done shows through each page.
The book is not only recommended for the serious student of the war, but also for those who live in or love this corner of three states. Finally there is a book that covers this forgotten area.
More Book Reviews
Back to The Zouave Vol VII No. 2 Table of Contents
Back to The Zouave List of Issues
Back to Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1993 The American Civil War Society
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com