Union Jacks: Yankee Sailors in the Civil War (Civil War America)

Rating:
Summary: Union Jacks
Review: I have not finished the book but find the author's assessments so far harsh. He spends a great deal of the first chapter commenting on the stupidity and ignorance of the sailors while quoting extensively from letters and diaries written by the sailors. The description of the dirt and filth he provides don't jibe with his talk of the efforts to clean the ships. He says the sailors are personally dirty and then describes what, in a later day, would be called a ki-yi bath when the dirty sailor was bathed by his shipmates using their clothing scrub brushes. It seems inconsistent to me.

Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly Satisfied
Review: Northern Sailors don't get much respect. While they certainly didn't attain the glory that soldiers did during the war, and while they didn't see nearly as much combat as most soldiers, they did their duty. Yet, they are underepresented. Of the thousands upon thousands of books written about the Civil War, this is the first to actually examine the psyche, background, physical characterisitics, and everyday life of Union sailors. Bennett does a good job of it, too.
His examination of the average sailor isn't simply rehashing known facts, it's delving into the reasoning behind the actions and events in sailor's lives. It's as much a psychological research work as a historical narrative. For anyone interested in Naval history, Civil War history, or simply looking to beef up their nautical knowledge, this book is absolutely and undeniably invaluable.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting book
Review: This book is chock full of information. Unfortunately, the author's 21st century attitudes prevail over the information. He persisted in interpreting attitudes and behaviors in a modern context which created a negative impact on the reader.