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Rating: 
Summary: A Missing Link of Civil War History
Review: Third Alabama, ed. by Brandon H. Beck is in my opinion one of the most valuable resources for studying the American Civil War.Cullen A. Battle the author , Col. of the 3rd Alabama and then a brigade commander fought in all of the major engagements of the Army of Northern Virginia from Seven Pines to Appomattox. This book does not only go into detail about the campaigns in which Battle was involved but it also puts them into a proper historical context. With the use of context you are able to learn not only about the role of the 3rd Alabama and Cullen A. Battle, but you are also able to learn the fates of both sides during any of the campaigns covered in the memoir. The book includes six excellently detailed maps of the positions of the 3rd Alabama in various engagements. The maps also depict surrounding brigades and the Federal opponents that they faced off with. These maps are a very crucial part to this book for they give a visual aid of Battle's memoir. I think that Beck and his cartographer should be given a great deal of credit for making this memoir available to the Civil War community. It is definitely a must for everyone to have on their bookshelves!
Rating: 
Summary: More of a Unit History than a Memoir
Review: This memoir reads more like a unit history of the Third Alabama than General Battle's memoirs. He does not spend much time talking about himself. Instead, General Battle describes the war as his unit experienced it. I thought the book was interesting, and easy to read. It is very short, so don't look for too much detailed information. The thing I liked most were the battlefield vinettes that General Battle describes. I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about how the soldiers and leaders of Lee's army viewed the war.
Rating:
Summary: More of a Unit History than a Memoir
Review: This memoir reads more like a unit history of the Third Alabama than General Battle's memoirs. He does not spend much time talking about himself. Instead, General Battle describes the war as his unit experienced it. I thought the book was interesting, and easy to read. It is very short, so don't look for too much detailed information. The thing I liked most were the battlefield vinettes that General Battle describes. I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about how the soldiers and leaders of Lee's army viewed the war.
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