Advance the Colors: Pennsylvania Civil War Battle Flags (Advance the Colors!)

Rating:
Summary: A fine addition to the study of Civil War vexillogy
Review: Thorough documentation of Civil War-era battle flags is largely distinguished in its absence. Indeed, it is most unfortunate and very nearly a crime that more has not been done to tell the stories behind these flags and, more importantly, tell the stories of the MEN (and perhaps even the WOMEN) of the North and South who carried them into the "leaden hail" from Gettysburg to Glorieta Pass. Happily, this situation has been remedied to some extent by the appearance of the, dare I say, monumental two-volume work "Advance the Colors!" which remains almost unique in its detailed treatment of the various flags presented to Pennsylvania regiments during the "Late Unpleasantness." "Advance the Colors!" is a genuine work of scholarship; however, it is also a snappy read and is readily accessible to even those who think history is merely "one damn thing after another." The information on the Pennsylvania regimental color-beare! rs--their fascinating, inspiring, and occasionally tragic stories--is alone worth the price. I would say that "Advance the Colors!" is a flag book even a flag-BURNER could love. If nothing else, "Advance the Colors!" should go a long way toward shaming other states into taking more interest in their regimental flag collections. Ohio is supposed to be working on a similar project and possibly Indiana as well. We can only hope so; more works like this would be a fine way to remember and honor those who gave "the last full measure of devotion." Five stars and two thumbs up for "Advance the Colors!"

Rating:
Summary: A fine addition to the study of Civil War vexillogy
Review: Thorough documentation of Civil War-era battle flags is largely distinguished in its absence. Indeed, it is most unfortunate and very nearly a crime that more has not been done to tell the stories behind these flags and, more importantly, tell the stories of the MEN (and perhaps even the WOMEN) of the North and South who carried them into the "leaden hail" from Gettysburg to Glorieta Pass. Happily, this situation has been remedied to some extent by the appearance of the, dare I say, monumental two-volume work "Advance the Colors!" which remains almost unique in its detailed treatment of the various flags presented to Pennsylvania regiments during the "Late Unpleasantness." "Advance the Colors!" is a genuine work of scholarship; however, it is also a snappy read and is readily accessible to even those who think history is merely "one damn thing after another." The information on the Pennsylvania regimental color-beare! rs--their fascinating, inspiring, and occasionally tragic stories--is alone worth the price. I would say that "Advance the Colors!" is a flag book even a flag-BURNER could love. If nothing else, "Advance the Colors!" should go a long way toward shaming other states into taking more interest in their regimental flag collections. Ohio is supposed to be working on a similar project and possibly Indiana as well. We can only hope so; more works like this would be a fine way to remember and honor those who gave "the last full measure of devotion." Five stars and two thumbs up for "Advance the Colors!"