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Summary: This book is GREAT!!!
Review: This book is excellent!! I just finished taking Dr. Robertson's, History of the Civil War class, and had to start reading this book as soon as the semester was over. It was excellent! I thought I understood Jackson after the lecture, but the book provides so much information! Also a suggestion, if Dr. Robertson ever speaks in your home town, Please Go!! His lectures are even more entertainging than his writing!
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Summary: Outstanding. Scholarly,balanced writing approach to a hero.
Review: I bought this book after listening to the author give a review on cable. He was amazing to listen to and the book is every bit as good. I like the critical thinking applied to this work. No hero worship here. Stonewall Jackson's strengths as well as his personal failings are there for all to see. I like the fact that the author takes a stand on issues and builds his case with facts. When facts are not obvious he offers his opinion. This and Coddington's Gettysburg have been the two best Civil War books I have ever read. This was an absolute joy to read.
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Summary: Just Buy it.
Review: One of the best books I've ever read. Sheesh, who needs television with this kind of stuff in print.
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Summary: The definitive biography of the general and the man.
Review: Robinson has done with Jackson what Shelby Foote did with the Civil War: generate an incredibly well researched work that is a requirement for any student not only of the Civil War, but of military history, tactics, and doctrine in general, Southern history in general, heroes in general. Robinson adeptly debunks old myths and explains in a very clear way why this man rose to the status he did in the South, in the United States, and in Europe. Additionally, Robinson paints such a clear portrait that by the time Jackson is killed, one cannot help but feel, at the very least, a twinge of pain at his loss. Jackson's youth, adolescence, VMI years, and war years are all presented in great and honest detail that does not attempt to praise Jackson, but generates praise nonetheless. Still, though, the General's faults are recognized, explained, or accepted, whichever is appropriate. Totally unadulterated. Aside from (but not beneath) Foote's Civil War Narrative, the finest work relating to the Civil War I've read to date. One of the finest books I've read. Don't miss this one!
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Summary: A Soldier Thoroughly Researched
Review: The length of the Bibliography of this book certifies to the research engaged to develop such a complete history of this great man and soldier. While well documented, it is nevertheless written in excellent, personal style that brings us closer to an understanding of the man Stonewall.
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Summary: This is the best biography of Jackson to date.
Review: This biography of Jackson really takes an in-depth look at the life of one of the greatest Confederate leaders of all time. From his birth to his death in 1863, Robertson dispells certain myths about Jackson, such as "The lemon myth" and really paints a vivid picture of what he was like. This book is a must for any person interested in the American Civil War and especially interested in the life of the "Mighty Stonewall". There have been a number of books written over the years about Jackson but none captivate the facts as well as the man as does this literary work; which, in my opinion is to be the classical study of Jackson's life.
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Summary: A Strong, Opinionated View of a Remarkable Man -
Review: First, let me say I enjoyed Robertson's book immensely. If you're a yankee, and have read "Northern" histories of this or that battle (Stephen Sears is a favorite of mine) or campaign, this book will make a tremendous addition to your overall understanding, with its unabashed and sometimes politically incorrect Southern viewpoint. (For example escaped slaves captured at Harpers Ferry are referred to as "recovered", and Robertson immediately passes on the rumor that Stonewall's Union-sister was [literally!] "in bed" with Union officers) One buys this book to learn about Tom Jackson, and in this you will not be diappointed. I loved the pictures included, although a picture of his surviving daughter might have been a nice addition. A host of other characters pop up and many are treated if not dismissively, then as somewhat cartoonish figures, but this isn't a knock. The book would run double length if Robertson got sidetracked by other towering personalities like Lee or Longstreet. I was put off that Robertson accepted the notion that Pope wrote the bragging communique about being used to seeing the enemies backs in the west. I've read in numerous other books that Stanton did that one over Pope's name. But Robertson evenhandedly gives Howard's XI Corps a break, pointing out that brave man in a bad spot did their best against Jackson's great flanking assault at Chancellorsville. And, the last chapter will break your heart. Just like the movie Titanic, you know how the book ends, but it is finely written, and understated. I'll buy whatever else Professor Robertson cares to write!
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Summary: Puts a human face on the Civil War legend
Review: Robertson is a professor of history, and reading his book makes me wish I had taken one of his classes as a college student. This well-researched book debunks many of the myths surrounding Stonewall, and makes the famous general appear much more human, and much more worthy of genuine admiration. Jackson's modest behavior and deep religious conviction stood in stark contrast to his absolute tenacity on the battlefield. Over the last century Stonewall has grown into either a leader of an unholy cause or saint, depending on your point of view. The truth is a lot more complicated. Jackson was a kind man who could be explosive in explosive situations. And he wasn't nearly as eccentric as some legends claim. The real Stonewall Jackson -- revealed in Robertson's book -- is much more interesting, and believable, than the legend.
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Summary: Very Detailed!
Review: This book was an excellent, detailed description of Stonewall Jackson's military career. It is very detailed, and sometimes I really had to stick with it to finish the book.
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Summary: A must read for all Christians in all nations.
Review: General Thomas Jonathan(Stonewall) Jackson's known Christian roots first attracted me as a Christian, like George Washington, Rober E. Lee who were born in the close vicinities of my adopted home town here in the U.S. (Westmoreland County, VA) My family and I watched a movie produced by Bob Jones University entitiled Red Runs the River which we enjoyed a great deal. Stonewall Jackson was featured in the movie as the one who led General Richard S. Ewell (played by Bob Jones Sr.) to Christ. As soon as I started to read this book, I began to known Thom J. Jackson as someone I can truely identify with - a Christian brother. Jackson admitted to have knowinly told only a lie in all his life: During the war with Mexico, as an artillary officer admist a hail of enemy bullets, he stood tall and say to his remaining men who were taking cover, saying " look, there is no danger here!"
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