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The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations
From the bestselling author of The Indispensables , the unknown and dramatic story of irregular guerilla warfare that altered the course of the Civil War and inspired the origins of America’s modern special operations forces The Civil War is most remembered for the grand battles that have come to define Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, among others. However, as bestselling author Patrick K. O’Donnell reveals in The Unvanquished , a vital shadow war raged amid and away from the major battlefields that was in many ways equally consequential to the conflict’s outcome. At the heart of this groundbreaking narrative is the epic story of Lincoln’s special forces, the Jessie Scouts, told in its entirety for the first time. In a contest fought between irregular units, the Scouts hunted John Singleton Mosby’s Confederate Rangers from the middle of 1863 up to war’s end at Appomattox. With both sides employing pioneering tradecraft, they engaged in dozens of raids and spy missions, often perilously wearing the other’s uniform, risking penalty of death if captured. Clashing violently on horseback, the unconventional units attacked critical supply lines, often capturing or killing high-value targets. North and South deployed special operations that could have changed the war’s direction in 1864, and crucially during the Appomattox Campaign, Jessie Scouts led the Union army to a final victory. They later engaged in a history-altering proxy war against France in Mexico, earning seven Medals of Honor; many Scouts mysteriously disappeared during that conflict, taking their stories to their graves. An expert on special operations, O’Donnell transports readers into the action, immersing them in vivid battle scenes from previously unpublished firsthand accounts. He introduces indelible characters such as Scout Archibald Rowand; Scout leader Richard Blazer; Mosby, the master of guerilla warfare; and enslaved spy Thomas Laws. O’Donnell also brings to light the Confederate Secret Service’s covert efforts to deliver the 1864 election to Peace Democrats through ballot fraud, election interference, and attempts to destabilize a population fatigued by a seemingly forever war. Most audaciously, the Secret Service and Mosby’s Rangers planned to kidnap Abraham Lincoln in order to maintain the South’s independence. The first full chronicle of the shadow war between North and South, rich in action and offering original perspective on history, The Unvanquished is a dynamic and essential addition to the literature of the Civil War.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
About the author
Patrick K. O'Donnell
21 books218 followersO’Donnell is a bestselling author, critically acclaimed military historian and an expert on elite units. The author of twelve books, including: Washington’s Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution, The Unknowns, First SEALs, Give Me Tomorrow, The Brenner Assignment, We Were One, Beyond Valor, and Dog Company, he has also served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon during the Battle of Fallujah and speaks often on espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency. He has provided historical consulting for DreamWorks’ award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers and for scores of documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery and is the recipient of several national awards. He also regularly contributes to several national publications and shows.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 3, 2024
I usually find that when a good writer puts out an underwhelming book, it's because of a scope problem. Unfortunately, Patrick O'Donnell's The Unvanquished falls into this trap. The book looks at the special operators of the Civil War like John Singleton Mosby's Confederate Rangers or Philip Sheridan's Scouts. In fact, I think if O'Donnell focused entirely on just these two men then this would have a been a fantastic read.
Instead, O'Donnell tries to tackle what seems like every single unit on each side of the Civil War and their actions. This leads to two extremely distracting problems. The first is the abundance of names. I am a history nerd and am used to being dropped into a story with a lot of characters. This is too much. It also means there is a lot of repetition. I didn't count, but I'd venture to say O'Donnell reiterates that getting caught in enemy uniforms was an automatic death sentence at least a dozen times.
That said, there is still a lot to like and learn about in this narrative. O'Donnell is an excellent writer (I highly recommend his book, The Unknowns) and his skill shows through when he focuses on a specific story or action. His in-depth research is on display and his passion for the topic can't be faulted. I just wish he was a bit more focused when it comes to this subject.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.)
Instead, O'Donnell tries to tackle what seems like every single unit on each side of the Civil War and their actions. This leads to two extremely distracting problems. The first is the abundance of names. I am a history nerd and am used to being dropped into a story with a lot of characters. This is too much. It also means there is a lot of repetition. I didn't count, but I'd venture to say O'Donnell reiterates that getting caught in enemy uniforms was an automatic death sentence at least a dozen times.
That said, there is still a lot to like and learn about in this narrative. O'Donnell is an excellent writer (I highly recommend his book, The Unknowns) and his skill shows through when he focuses on a specific story or action. His in-depth research is on display and his passion for the topic can't be faulted. I just wish he was a bit more focused when it comes to this subject.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.)
May 8, 2024
Patrick O’Donnell’s “The Unvanquished” is a thrilling and eye-opening look at the untold story of Lincoln’s Special Forces and the shadow war that helped shape America’s special operations. Focusing on the manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers during the Civil War, O’Donnell paints a vivid picture of the daring exploits and strategic genius of these elite soldiers. From the very first page, O’Donnell’s writing grabs you and doesn’t let go. His meticulous research and attention to detail bring to life the intense cat-and-mouse game between the Union forces and Mosby’s Rangers, a group of Confederate guerrilla fighters who wreaked havoc behind enemy lines. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of espionage, sabotage, and daring escapes as both sides employ every trick in the book to outwit their opponents. What sets “The Unvanquished” apart from other historical accounts is O’Donnell’s ability to humanize the characters involved. Through intimate portraits and personal anecdotes, he brings to life the men and women who risked everything for their cause. From the cunning John Mosby himself to the brave Union operatives who hunted him down, each person leaps off the page with their courage and determination. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is O’Donnell’s exploration of the evolution of special operations tactics during the Civil War. As both sides struggled to adapt to the changing nature of warfare, new strategies and technologies were developed that would have far-reaching effects on future conflicts. O’Donnell’s insights into these developments shed light on the birth of modern special operations forces and their crucial role in shaping the course of history. Despite the serious subject matter, O’Donnell infuses the book with a sense of excitement and adventure that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. His vivid descriptions of daring raids, narrow escapes, and high-stakes confrontations make “The Unvanquished” read like a Hollywood blockbuster. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the drama and suspense of the story as it unfolds. And it would make for an entertaining movie, too! Pick up a copy today and prepare to be transported back in time to a world of danger, intrigue, and heroism.
May 18, 2024
The Jessie Scouts were a group of Union soldiers that did clandestine operations in the Confederacy. This band of irregular soldiers were created by General John C. Fremont, and his wife's name became the name of these men. They fought mostly against John Singleton Mosby's Rangers, but they did other missions. They destroyed railroad lines and committed other acts of sabotage in the South. After the North lost at the Battle of New market, they burned down Virginia Military Institute as an act of revenge since the victorious soldiers at that battle were cadets from this school. They even disguised themselves as Southern soldiers, but they wore a white handkerchief, so their fellow soldiers knew they were on their side and not really Johnny Rebs.
I learned a lot about these clandestine soldiers. The writing, for the most part, was captivating and a thrill ride. Some of the anecdotes of individuals were entertaining to read about. The minutiae of detail were tedious at times, and I skimmed some parts. If you are familiar with the Civil War, you will find yourself skipping parts like I did. I am familiar with Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and the other battles mentioned in this and giving me a basic overview was not beneficial to me. Having said that, it is good for those who need a refresher or are novices to the Civil War. It was nice to read a new story about the Civil War, so I recommend this book to novices and experts alike.
I learned a lot about these clandestine soldiers. The writing, for the most part, was captivating and a thrill ride. Some of the anecdotes of individuals were entertaining to read about. The minutiae of detail were tedious at times, and I skimmed some parts. If you are familiar with the Civil War, you will find yourself skipping parts like I did. I am familiar with Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and the other battles mentioned in this and giving me a basic overview was not beneficial to me. Having said that, it is good for those who need a refresher or are novices to the Civil War. It was nice to read a new story about the Civil War, so I recommend this book to novices and experts alike.
February 6, 2024
Full disclosure, I live in the UK and due to visits to NH, have a developing interest in North American History. Of course, I know the basics, but wanted to go beyond the most famous moments in history and dive deeper.
Patrick O'Dennell is a phenomenal writer, bringing history alove with a colourful narrative and raw authenticity. He is clearly a master of his subject (and I will certainly be putting his other book, 'The Indispensables' on my History TBR)
Most of us know about the Gettysburg address, the reasons for the war between North and South (lets not sugar the pill here, it was about abolishing slavery and those who wanted to keep it, power and control) This book goes beyond the battles we know about, to those who went undercover, the Jessie Scouts who were commissioned by Lincoln to go after Mosby's Confederate Rangers. The tactics and subterfuge detailed at a time where people were just learning about this new country they were inhabiting are truly fascinating
One fact I certainly did not know was the plot to kidnap Lincoln by Mosby's Rangers to bring an end to the war. How different the United States would be if they had succeeded
This book is utterly fascinating, intriguing and so very well written. A must for lovers of North American history and Military History. Even readers of general fiction, because the story is outstanding and written like your favourite thriller
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Grove Atlantic and author Patrick K O'Donnell for this outstanding account of a little known part of history that changed the course of the conflict. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Patrick O'Dennell is a phenomenal writer, bringing history alove with a colourful narrative and raw authenticity. He is clearly a master of his subject (and I will certainly be putting his other book, 'The Indispensables' on my History TBR)
Most of us know about the Gettysburg address, the reasons for the war between North and South (lets not sugar the pill here, it was about abolishing slavery and those who wanted to keep it, power and control) This book goes beyond the battles we know about, to those who went undercover, the Jessie Scouts who were commissioned by Lincoln to go after Mosby's Confederate Rangers. The tactics and subterfuge detailed at a time where people were just learning about this new country they were inhabiting are truly fascinating
One fact I certainly did not know was the plot to kidnap Lincoln by Mosby's Rangers to bring an end to the war. How different the United States would be if they had succeeded
This book is utterly fascinating, intriguing and so very well written. A must for lovers of North American history and Military History. Even readers of general fiction, because the story is outstanding and written like your favourite thriller
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Grove Atlantic and author Patrick K O'Donnell for this outstanding account of a little known part of history that changed the course of the conflict. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
February 18, 2024
Specialized units in the Civil War are difficult to uncover. Either they existed for a battle or were shrouded in so much myth that historians do not bother to unpack their stories. Luckily Patrick K. O’Donnell has done a great job chronicling Jessie’s Scouts and the impact a unit like this had on the war.
March 14, 2024
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for an advance copy of this history books that looks at the role of irregular warfare in the American Civil War, and how this legacy still influences modern military planning.
War is hell, but civil wars seem to bring out something in combatants that makes hell seem pleasant in comparison. Brother fighting brother, neighbor fighting neighbor, north against south, the violence seems more visceral, more personal. Atrocities are not random, civilians are made to suffer, and rules are tossed out the window, along with the people living in the room, then the room is blown up to be sure. Maybe it is the fact that civil war is based on one side being sure of something, the other side being equally sure that is wrong. Humans hate to be proven wrong, as our modern politics show. Many will keep digging other than suffer they truth that there convictions are not just misplaced, but even evil. The popular meme showing a man dressed as a Nazi asking "Are we the bad guys?' comes to mind. The American Civil War changed much in the way war was fought, and even in the thinking of who could be considered combatants. The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations by writer and historian, Patrick K. O'Donnell is a look at how modern war was starting to come of age, and the lessons that still frame much of how war is still fought today.
Two signs pointing out to different events in Virginia were the well spring for this book. One sign detailing where a Union scout Jack Sterry gave his last words, and another pointing out where a mountain howitzer used by Mosby's Rangers to destroy a union train was placed. As a writer of history, especially detailing the history of special forces operations in warfare, these signs were hints of a much bigger story. Many of the ideas that started to form in the Civil War, working deep in enemy territory, causing disruptions and confusion among military leaders and civilians alike, had an effect on the Office of Strategic Operations during World War II. Especially the idea that units could work outside of the military hierarchy, which at the time was a pretty entrenched system. O'Donnell looks at both sides from the North's Jessie Scouts who worked deep in enemy territory, learning as they went about war in the woods. And the previously mentioned Mosby's Rangers, the Grey Ghosts who hindered Union war efforts until the end of the battles. There is also a discussion on the Confederate Secret Service, who were based in Canada and seemed to be an early OSS group, with a lot of grandiose plans, but few results.
An interesting look at the Civil War from an almost uncivil view. O'Donnell has a lot of experience writing about this subject, and seeing the early days of this kind of thinking is interesting to watch come to be. O'Donnell covers both sides, and there is a lot of history here, but the chapters are short and written well, so one doesn't become overwhelmed. There is a mix of boy's own adventuring, along with a lot of wow that was beyond cruel actions on both sides. There is also a lot of "what if?" moments too. This plan was crazy and couldn't have worked, but if it had, or hmm that could have worked if they just left a day early, or later. A different way of looking at the battle in the shadows, that made up much of the Civil War.
Recommended for fans of the writer, and Civil War fans. And also for military history fans, including role players and game designers. This would be an excellent resource for quite a few different adventures, especially for fans of alternative history.
War is hell, but civil wars seem to bring out something in combatants that makes hell seem pleasant in comparison. Brother fighting brother, neighbor fighting neighbor, north against south, the violence seems more visceral, more personal. Atrocities are not random, civilians are made to suffer, and rules are tossed out the window, along with the people living in the room, then the room is blown up to be sure. Maybe it is the fact that civil war is based on one side being sure of something, the other side being equally sure that is wrong. Humans hate to be proven wrong, as our modern politics show. Many will keep digging other than suffer they truth that there convictions are not just misplaced, but even evil. The popular meme showing a man dressed as a Nazi asking "Are we the bad guys?' comes to mind. The American Civil War changed much in the way war was fought, and even in the thinking of who could be considered combatants. The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations by writer and historian, Patrick K. O'Donnell is a look at how modern war was starting to come of age, and the lessons that still frame much of how war is still fought today.
Two signs pointing out to different events in Virginia were the well spring for this book. One sign detailing where a Union scout Jack Sterry gave his last words, and another pointing out where a mountain howitzer used by Mosby's Rangers to destroy a union train was placed. As a writer of history, especially detailing the history of special forces operations in warfare, these signs were hints of a much bigger story. Many of the ideas that started to form in the Civil War, working deep in enemy territory, causing disruptions and confusion among military leaders and civilians alike, had an effect on the Office of Strategic Operations during World War II. Especially the idea that units could work outside of the military hierarchy, which at the time was a pretty entrenched system. O'Donnell looks at both sides from the North's Jessie Scouts who worked deep in enemy territory, learning as they went about war in the woods. And the previously mentioned Mosby's Rangers, the Grey Ghosts who hindered Union war efforts until the end of the battles. There is also a discussion on the Confederate Secret Service, who were based in Canada and seemed to be an early OSS group, with a lot of grandiose plans, but few results.
An interesting look at the Civil War from an almost uncivil view. O'Donnell has a lot of experience writing about this subject, and seeing the early days of this kind of thinking is interesting to watch come to be. O'Donnell covers both sides, and there is a lot of history here, but the chapters are short and written well, so one doesn't become overwhelmed. There is a mix of boy's own adventuring, along with a lot of wow that was beyond cruel actions on both sides. There is also a lot of "what if?" moments too. This plan was crazy and couldn't have worked, but if it had, or hmm that could have worked if they just left a day early, or later. A different way of looking at the battle in the shadows, that made up much of the Civil War.
Recommended for fans of the writer, and Civil War fans. And also for military history fans, including role players and game designers. This would be an excellent resource for quite a few different adventures, especially for fans of alternative history.
May 15, 2024
There is not a greater expert with respect to the history of elite US military units than Patrick K. O'Donnell. In the recently published The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln's Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby's Rangers, and the Shadow War that Forged America's Special Operations, O'Donnell looks at the roots of US Special Ops in both the Union and Confederate forces of the US Civil War. O'Donnell, consistent with his prior books, takes a complex topic and pieces together an organized, thoroughly engaging, and at times deeply moving story of emerging military strategy.
The US Civil War was not a gentlemen's war. Troops were generally poorly equipped and conditions were far from humane -- or even human. The teams that emerged as the forebears of today's elite special operations units existed in horrible conditions and usually came from rough backgrounds. Outside of a military context, most might just as easily have roamed in criminal gangs or been considered thugs, but such were the times. Their stories were not generally compiled and their histories have not so far generally been told.
O'Donnell has meticulously researched a multitude of strands about Mosby's Rangers, the Jessie Scouts, Blazer's Scouts and other similar groups -- names that have largely been lost to history or at least forgotten by most of us. He crafts a chronology of their actions from the start of the war and up to the summer of 1865 after Lincoln had been assassinated and the war finally brought to a close. It is not one cohesive story but many connected stories tied together by the bravery and ingenuity of a small number of soldiers who, at times, had a far greater impact on the war, its outcome, and history, than larger armies did.
Anyone with an interest in military history, in general, or the US Civil War, in particular, will benefit from reading The Unvanquished and will learn from it. More importantly, despite the ugliness of war's depiction, readers will find it difficult to put it down.
The US Civil War was not a gentlemen's war. Troops were generally poorly equipped and conditions were far from humane -- or even human. The teams that emerged as the forebears of today's elite special operations units existed in horrible conditions and usually came from rough backgrounds. Outside of a military context, most might just as easily have roamed in criminal gangs or been considered thugs, but such were the times. Their stories were not generally compiled and their histories have not so far generally been told.
O'Donnell has meticulously researched a multitude of strands about Mosby's Rangers, the Jessie Scouts, Blazer's Scouts and other similar groups -- names that have largely been lost to history or at least forgotten by most of us. He crafts a chronology of their actions from the start of the war and up to the summer of 1865 after Lincoln had been assassinated and the war finally brought to a close. It is not one cohesive story but many connected stories tied together by the bravery and ingenuity of a small number of soldiers who, at times, had a far greater impact on the war, its outcome, and history, than larger armies did.
Anyone with an interest in military history, in general, or the US Civil War, in particular, will benefit from reading The Unvanquished and will learn from it. More importantly, despite the ugliness of war's depiction, readers will find it difficult to put it down.
May 12, 2024
Mish mash of my thoughts below.
The author hasn’t met a killing he didn’t want to mention and describe.
I continuously felt as though the author is pro Confederates. Eek.
After just a few of the more interesting stories, they all seemed to run together… someone in a butternut uniform went up to a soldier, blah, blah and they either left with info or as mentioned above, we were told how he was killed.
I kept ff the audiobook waiting for General Sheridan to appear, finally at just over 50 %. But, unfortunately, the stories were still the same….and more ff.
The author plows thru the various battles, so if one isn’t familiar with the battles or the generals then I would think it would be tough to follow along.
The Union won at Antietam? Well, I guess that’s one of the few Union/US bias’ that the author made.
The author is way too generous re the ability of General McClellan.
The author uses the word “federals” a lot when mentioning a Union/US soldier. I’ve read/listened to easily 30+ books on the civil war, and this word seems to be seldom used.
And the biggest irritant of all? The correct version of the infamous telegram exchange from Lincoln to Grant is “Gen. Sheridan says “If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender.” Let the thing be pressed.” In the book, the reader says “Let the thing be PASSED.”
If the author (and editor) messed up on this, what else have they messed up on? And yeah, I found other things, but didn’t bookmark them, since doing so I would take more interest than they did.
I ended up DNF.
The author hasn’t met a killing he didn’t want to mention and describe.
I continuously felt as though the author is pro Confederates. Eek.
After just a few of the more interesting stories, they all seemed to run together… someone in a butternut uniform went up to a soldier, blah, blah and they either left with info or as mentioned above, we were told how he was killed.
I kept ff the audiobook waiting for General Sheridan to appear, finally at just over 50 %. But, unfortunately, the stories were still the same….and more ff.
The author plows thru the various battles, so if one isn’t familiar with the battles or the generals then I would think it would be tough to follow along.
The Union won at Antietam? Well, I guess that’s one of the few Union/US bias’ that the author made.
The author is way too generous re the ability of General McClellan.
The author uses the word “federals” a lot when mentioning a Union/US soldier. I’ve read/listened to easily 30+ books on the civil war, and this word seems to be seldom used.
And the biggest irritant of all? The correct version of the infamous telegram exchange from Lincoln to Grant is “Gen. Sheridan says “If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender.” Let the thing be pressed.” In the book, the reader says “Let the thing be PASSED.”
If the author (and editor) messed up on this, what else have they messed up on? And yeah, I found other things, but didn’t bookmark them, since doing so I would take more interest than they did.
I ended up DNF.
March 20, 2024
From the beginning of the Civil War, the Confederacy knew that they were going to be outnumbered by the North. Though many in the Confederate Army believed in fighting an honorable war, some thought it would be better to continue the use of guerilla tactics like those used during the Revolutionary War. Using hit and run attacks would allow the South to use unorthodox warfare as a force multiplier.
Though General Robert E Lee didn’t like this type of warfare, as the war continued using up the quantity and quality of those who volunteered for the military, something had to be done to offset the North’s ability to keep full armies in the field even after major losses of Troops.
The Confederacy would need to create their own “Secret Service” to spy on the North and to cause as much discord and chaos as they could. In addition to spying on the North and creating double agents and getting assistance from supporters who stayed at their jobs in the US government, they would need specialized military units that could disrupt communications, railways and supply lines.
What we now think of as units who can operated behind enemy lines, were first created in each of the contending Armies. That’s the story that told in this book and explains how much of today’s special units use tactics that were first used by these special units.
Though General Robert E Lee didn’t like this type of warfare, as the war continued using up the quantity and quality of those who volunteered for the military, something had to be done to offset the North’s ability to keep full armies in the field even after major losses of Troops.
The Confederacy would need to create their own “Secret Service” to spy on the North and to cause as much discord and chaos as they could. In addition to spying on the North and creating double agents and getting assistance from supporters who stayed at their jobs in the US government, they would need specialized military units that could disrupt communications, railways and supply lines.
What we now think of as units who can operated behind enemy lines, were first created in each of the contending Armies. That’s the story that told in this book and explains how much of today’s special units use tactics that were first used by these special units.
May 5, 2024
Patrick K. O'Donnell has taken the students of the American Civil War on a journey through a part of that war that has often been overlooked and misunderstood. This fast-paced narrative provides the reader with plenty of action that keeps their attention while bringing to life some of the unsung heroes of the war. Confederate John Singleton Mosby and his Rangers are well known to many, and their roles are justifiably told. Some of their stories though will be new to readers. However, it is the lesser-known exploits of the underappreciated Union men who went up against Mosby's Rangers during those crucial final years of the war that readers will find most compelling. The reader will learn about men like Richard Blazer, Henry Harrison Young, and Jack Sterry as well as the units with which they served, the Jesse Scouts and Blazer's Scouts. O'Donnell also explains the role of the Confederate Secret Service fleshing it out in a way that will be eye-opening to many. After finishing this book, the reader will have a better understanding of the importance of this shadow war of special operations that contributed to Union victory. The lessons learned helped later generations form our modern special operations forces of WWII and beyond. With so many Civil War titles to choose from, this book stands out as a unique topic that needed to be told.
February 5, 2024
A revealing dive into the special forces that operated during the U.S Civil War, this action-packed book gives readers unique insight into the risks the rangers on both sides took and the significant impact they had on the outcome of the war. Civil War buffs will enjoy learning about this “shadow war” that happened in conjunction with the historic battles.
Previously not knowing about the heroics and exploits of Blazer, Young, and Mosby, I would certainly not want to miss their stories that O’Donnell colorfully presents in this book. It was a fun read and I learned a lot about the underground players of the Civil War.
Previously not knowing about the heroics and exploits of Blazer, Young, and Mosby, I would certainly not want to miss their stories that O’Donnell colorfully presents in this book. It was a fun read and I learned a lot about the underground players of the Civil War.
May 20, 2024
The book gives amazing information and perspective, but I did find myself at times having to go back and make sure my cast of characters was who I thought they were. I do feel like the information I gained was invaluable to understanding how the civil war was fought on so many different levels and understanding the differences in modern vs. antiquated warfare. I would recommend it to all who want to understand the militarys historical path.
April 28, 2024
This is an excellent and very informative book on the special forces during the Civil War. I learned so much about this aspect of the war. I am pretty familiar with the Civil War but this was one part that I didn't know that much about until I read this book. I definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in the Civil War.
May 18, 2024
Again another facet of the US Civil War with which I had only a passing acquaintance. Some of the names of Rangers, Jessie Scouts, etc., I had read of in other contexts, but the individuals were not fleshed out. A whole book about be written about Phil Sheridan and the Jessie Scouts actions along the northern Mexico border after hostilities in the United States subsided.
April 27, 2024
An intriguing read on the irregular forces on both sides in the Civil war. The stories and heroism are inspirational. These men (and some women) were true patriots to their causes. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 20, 2024
A revelation
One of the best books that I've read this year. So much information that I never knew. A must for anyone interested in the Civil war!
One of the best books that I've read this year. So much information that I never knew. A must for anyone interested in the Civil war!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews