"Rather than taking the reader on a step-by-step journey across the
battlefield—a process that can sometimes prove tedious—Dossman
humanizes the account through the use of the biographical sketches.
(17 included) This approach is refreshing and effective. . . . a good
general treatment of the subject, well-written and should prove enjoyable
to anyone with a general interest in Civil War history or specifically the
history of the Civil War in Mississippi."—The Journal of Mississippi History
"an excellent series [that] should be in every Texas school!"—Empire
Books
". . . what is so inviting about the entire series is the depth and length
to which Civil War Campaign and Commanders writers go to tell more
than just battlefield statistics."—Eclectic Homeschool Online
"A running joke among many Civil War historians is the number of trivia
books they have received as gifts from well-meaning relatives throughout
their careers. Inconsequential and lacking any real scholarly value, such
works gather dust on their bookshelves, kept around out of sentimental
attachments to the giver. To twist a quote from the Mike Meyers character,
Dr. Evil, they are Civil War lite, just one calorie.
"Fortunately, the McWhiney Foundation Press provides an alternative to
low-cost fluff with the "Civil War Campaigns and Commanders" series.
Steven Nathaniel Dossman's contribution to the series represents the type
of work the foundation seeks to promote: brief, highly illustrated, easily
digested studies.
"While the Campaign for Corinth breaks little new ground, it serves as a
gateway book for those seeking a well-grounded understanding of the
campaign. Each chapter contains biographical sketches and photos of the
major players and landmarks. And refreshingly, Dossman's work contains no
shortage of maps which in itself make this book worthy of purchase.
"While some elitists would consider an abundance of illustrations and maps
as verging on popular history, Dossman's scholarship, as evidenced by his
bibliography and notes, dispel such notions. It is a solid scholarly work,
yet democratic in that it will appeal to a broad range of interested
parties from buffs looking for their first book on Corinth to scholars
seeking to brush up on the campaign.
"Dossman's writing style also contributes to the book's success.
Alternating between open and closed narrative, he narrates the big picture
while allowing the participants to contribute their own observations to
the story, thus making it an easy read. Likewise, his organizational
skills and maps make the campaign easy to follow.
"In conclusion, this work serves its intended purpose by appealing to a
wide cross section of readers without going into exhaustive detail.
Undergrads will like it for its brevity and clarity, while professors will
enjoy it for its coverage of the campaign. At the low price of $14.95, it
is a bargain."—David Slay, Civil War News
"Dossman recounts this very violent and bloody battle admirably,
presenting the history of the battle in an engaging narrative. . . . The
[Civil War Campaigns & Commanders] series is a delight to read, and
this is another great addition. . . . recommended to Civil War
enthusiasts."—Br. Benet Exton for "Curled Up With A Good Book."
For the complete review visit: http://www.curledup.com/campcori.htm.
"Mr Dossman is to be congratulated for an excellent book. It is well
written, properly descriptive so you can follow the battle tactics and it
springs with vitality!"—Ian Baird, Empire Books
Look for a review of this book in the April 2006 issue of Texas Illustrated
Magazine
"5 stars . . . Written by a descendant of men who battled at Corinth,
Campaign for Corinth: Blood in Mississippi examines the events through
which the quiet little town of Corinth, Mississippi because one of the
South's key strongholds during the American Civil War. Captured after a
siege by Federal General Henry Halleck, Corinth became a target of
Southern efforts to drive back the Union, and when the bloody campaign
for Corinth reached its height, it paved the way for Grant's Vicksburg
campaign and the ultimate fate of the Confederacy in the Mississippi
Valley. A straightforward and harshly honest accounting of military
history, accessible to lay readers and historians alike, and illustrated
with occasional black-and-white photographs and maps."—Midwest
Book Review
“Overall, I found the book very insightful and descriptive. The book
brings the story of the bloody campaign for Corinth to life through the
compelling descriptions of the battles and fighting. Through seamless
writing, one feels as though they are experiencing the campaign through
the eyes and minds of the commanders and soldiers on both sides of
the conflict.”—Charles Grear, Professor of History, Texas A&M University
“It is always gratifying to read a fine first book by a young writer-historian
with a knack for bringing the past alive. This is such a book. Dossman’s
compact account of the Corinth campaign is deeply researched, rich with
quotes, and well told—all the elements of a cracking good narrative
history.”—John C. Waugh, author of 20 Good Reasons to Study the
Civil War
Also in the Civil War Campaigns and Commanders Series
For a complete list of the books in the Civil War Campaigns and Commanders Series
