Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend

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Summary: A Must Read for Civil War Enthusiasts
Review: This biography was one of the most compelling I have ever read. It was informative, inspiring, and believable in its accuracy and detail. By applying the same passion for his research that Thomas Jackson applied to his life, Mr. Robertson was able to get "inside the head" of the man. This book also describes life in the 1800's in such detail that anyone interested in this period takes away a greater appreciation for pre-industrial America. Finally, I recommend this book for anyone who strives to be successful in pursuit of any life goal. Stonewall Jackson sets an example that through faith and passion, one can achieve almost any objective.

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Summary: The most moving story I've ever read!
Review: This biograghy about Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson was a true pleasurable read. I read the book on weekends, evenings, and whenever I found the time to sneek in a few pages. This book became such a part of my past-time that when I finally finished, I found myself actually missing General Jackson. I feel as if I actually lived to witness Jackson's life. At times this story inspired me, at times it made me laugh, and at others it made me cry. But the most emotional part of the book was when Jackson died, for I felt as if I had lost a great friend. If you are looking for a complete historical biography or are just interested in a great story, Dr. Robertson's Stonewall Jackson is a great read

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Summary: Detailed and moving portrait of a Confederate general.
Review: This is perhaps the finest work I have ever read on a single individual. The book itself is remarkable both for the amount of detail and for the care with which it is documented. Robertson debunks many previous Jackson myths, and seems to be able to explore the mind of the man with comfortable ease. You get the sense that he actually was aquainted with the great man. The story of Jackson is quite thorough, presenting not only Jackson the Confederate general, but also Jackson the schoolboy, the teacher, and the devout Presbyterian. Even without the Civil War sections, this book would still be fascinating reading, especially the years in which he taught at VMI. The Civil War years are chronicled well, but be warned, this is a book about Jackson, and covers only those engagements in which he had direct influence. This is not as distracting as it sounds, and in fact is somewhat practical, as it presents the battle from Jackson's front. The book is rather lengthy, but not monotonous, and it reads very well. The end is especially heartbreaking and emotional, and summarizes well the life of a remarkable man and his tragic death

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Summary: Powerful narrative
Review: The only thing I'd like to add to the above reviews is that Robertson writes with a narrative strength, richness of detail and factual support, and level of insight and explanation that equals Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror : The Calamitous 14th Century". As a result this book is as deeply satisfying, revealing Jackson, the times he lived in and the struggles he was engaged in, in their true complexity. The worst part is that as you near the end you realise that it will be a long while before you come across such an enjoyable and informative book again

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Summary: Not just outstanding biography but spiritually rewarding.
Review: I believe this to be one of the finest biographies I have read. Jackson is presented as a complete man: brave soldier, devoted husband and father, faithful friend, and true servant of the Lord. It is rare to read a biography which so changes your attitude as does this; Jackson emerges as such a wholly sympathetic figure as to not only command your respect but draw your heart. Understanding where Jackson came from and how he was raised, the reader is so much better prepared to appreciate how he came to be the man he was and, thus, to KNOW that his so-called "eccentricities" were nothing more than the ramblings of jealous subordinates and not at all reflective of who and what he was. Jackson's love of God and his love for Anna, his wife, is so sublime, so genuine, and so true; no one could doubt for a moment that his devotion was sincere. And yet, on the battlefield, no one could be more indomitable and unflagging in his striving for victory. All is presented in this book as of one piece: the man of God and the man of war are one, and there is no dichotomy. I once believed that Jackson's last words were somewhat contrived or "dressed up" for audiences. But now I know how sincere they were and to Whom they were directed: "Let us cross the river and rest under the shade of the trees." A true American hero and one of the finest biographies I have ever had the privilege to read

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Summary: Well researched
Review: I have read many books on Stonewall Jackson and have found this book to bec clearly the best researched biography that I have found on this great Civil War General. He clearly strips away in a documented fashion, many of the myths about Jackson, leaving you with a better understanding of this impressive field General. You honestly feel after reading this book that you know Stonewall Jackson. A absolute must for Civil War collectors. Thank you Mr. Robertson for the years of research and the excellent presentation of your findings

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Summary: A biography as extraordinary as the man it describes
Review: TJ Jackson was described in letters home by all he affected, and there were many of those, as students and soliders. Robertson has found those letters, apparently read them all, and now shares them with us in a history that is more detailed and convincing than many historical novels (and less believable, if any who know the history of Stonewall's campaigns are likely to agree, even without reading the book. Enjoy the book, the story, and the man, as I have, and try to find a way to appropriately thank the author for the miracle he has given us in this biography.

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Summary: Definitive portrait of a Confederate legend.
Review: James I. Robertson, Jr.'s biography of Stonewall Jackson will long stand as the definitive summary of the life of this extraordinary military commander. Exhaustively researched and gracefully written, Robertson's biography portrays Jackson as he was - a deeply religious Sunday school teacher in Lexington, Va., a loving and devoted husband and father, and a stern and feared commander in battle. Based almost entirely on primary sources, Stonewall Jackson challenges many of the myths and misconceptions that have surrounded the general. This book also represents the culmination of Robertson's long and distinguished career as one of this country's finest Civil War historians. Without question it is his finest effort and the best biography of Jackson ever written

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Summary: A MUST READ!!!
Review: One of the few accurate reads about this great American hero. "Old Jack," an orphan, grew up in Jackson Mills, the home and business of his uncle. What many would have used as an excuse for failure (orphaned, poor, very little standardized education, no gov't breast to succour, etc.), motivated "Old Jack" to make something of himself. Jackson worked hard to get an appointment to West Point, one of the greatest Engineering schools of its time. While at West Point, Jackson had to work twice as hard as his classmates often staying up into the early morning hours memorizing his previous day's lesson. Though he often struggled, his hard work and determination paid off. Jackson had great discipline. Recognized in the Mexican War for always following orders and never losing his cool. Although, he is often criticized for his ability to teach at VMI, a few things have to be mentioned. I have never known anyone personally nor heard of anyone who ever said they had it easy learning Physics. I am sure most student generated complaints concerning Jackson's teaching methods, etc. were mostly because: one, it was a hard class, and two, it required one's undivided attention. Secondly, if the faculty had concerns, they (their concerns) never amounted to much. The Civil War is often said where Jackson blossomed. I disagree. Jackson's greatness originated from inside. Nearly always, men are great because they are great men no matter what the outside circumstances and I believe this is the case with "Old Jack." The Civil War simply provided the theatre for Jackson to display his greatness. Jackson is one of the World's greatest military strategists. He is still studied across the world today. His movements were done with speed and stealth often moving nearly half of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Thomas J. Jackson is great example for all. Although, it has many pages it flows very well.

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Summary: A FABULOUS, INSPIRING CIVIL WAR BIOGRAPHY!
Review: I am not usually all that interested in the American Civil War, but found this book compelling, insightful, and endlessly interesting. The author shows us the man behind the many myths. Jackson was at heart a devout Christian and a good man who wanted to do the right thing, although like any other mortal he made mistakes along the way. Jackson's life is treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and praise that it so deserves.