Advance and Retreat: Personal Experiences in the United States and Confederate States Armies

Rating:
Summary: Much maligned figure comes to light
Review: For all of my time as a Civil War buff, I have thought that Gen. Hood was a scapegoat. I have always thought of him as a truly brave fellow who got in over his head...and was therefore a perfect target for accusation. Many people blame Hood for the disasters at Atlanta, Franklin, Spring Hill, etc, but this tome shows the reader a different side of the story (that other than Jefferson Davis and Joseph Johnston's side). Hood was truly a hero, but much more a fighting man than a scholar. However, he provides an argument against the charge of conspiring to take over the Army of the Tennesee from Joseph Johnston (perhaps his most infamous "act") with a plausible claim. I think that the best way to have a perspective in a debate is to know both sides, and the debate over John Bell Hood is continuing today. So buy this and read up!

Rating:
Summary: A Civil Warrior
Review: One of the Civil War's most intriguing and controversial characters, Confederate General John Bell Hood offers a detailed rebuttal to post-war criticisms of Joseph E. Johnston and others. Much lauded as a combat commander of the famed Texas Brigade under Robert E. Lee, Hood lost use of his left arm at Gettysburg and lost his right leg at Chickamauga. In 1864 he replaced Johnston as commander of the Army of Tennesee before the fall of Atlanta, and late that year led that army on the ill fated invasion of Tennessee, culminating with the devastating defeats at Franklin and Nashville. In Advance and Retreat Hood offers detailed explanations of his controversial decisions. This book is a must read for any student of the Civil War.

Rating:
Summary: Hood's Turn
Review: The controversial defender of Atlanta gives his side of the story. Did he inherit a demoralized shell of an army and vainly attempt to restore its fighting spirit after the timid leadership of General Joseph E. Johnston or did he squander the lives of thousands against the fixed defenses of the Yankees? This book is best read in conjunction with Johnston's "Narrative" which it attempts to refute. Whether you agree with Hood's story or not, you will appreciate his passion for the subject.