What are the best American Civil War Regimental Histories? Not the best regiment, but the best book about a Civil War regiment?
I’d like to invite my fellow Civil War bloggers to join in and let me know what regimental histories they have enjoyed and why.
My pick: Stand Firm Ye Boys from Maine: The 20th Maine and the Gettysburg Campaign, by Thomas A. Desjardin (Oxford University Press US, 2001). The book is well written and Desjardin’s fight narrative of Little Round Top is second to none. He balances the exploits of the 20th Maine with those of the Alabama troops they squared off against. Good regimental history books are not a series of chapters detailing with the actions of the unit. They take us on a journey and tell a story about the men who fought and died. Dejardin also had to balance the story of Joshua L. Chamberlain and the rest of the men. Finally, the book is well researched and includes a roster that details the occupation, age, height, and other vital data for the historian.
[I am making the assumption that any book that deals with a specific regiment for an individual campaign or battle qualifies?]
But there are so many other Civil War regimental histories worthy of any top lists! What are yours?
I like “Harvard’s Civil War: The History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry” by Richard Miller.
I second the nomination of “Harvard’s Civil War,” but my favorite regimental history is “The Last Full Measure,” by Richard Moe, about the 1st Minnesota. The men of this regiment were very descriptive writers, and Moe does an excellent job bringing their war to life with many primary sources. In the introduction, Moe talks about growing up in Minnesota surrounded by reminders of the state’s heroic Civil War contributions. I think this gives the book a special quality and helps us to imagine the tough westerners of the 1st as people we might know.
Edward Tobie’s “The History First Maine Cavalry 1861-1865″
Probably the best contemporary regimental history there is.
For someone reenacting the 1st Maine, this book has been a bible.
Will, excellent choice! I have “The Last Full Measure” on my bookshelf and greatly enjoyed it as well.
Gerald, thank you for posting, I have not read Tobie’s book but when I get a chance I will get a copy, thanks again!
Chris
We published it long ago, but I still love James Gannon’s Irish Rebels, Confederate Tigers/ 6th Louisiana Infantry.
BTW, Richard Miller, of Harvard’s Civil War, has a new book coming out next June called Fighting Words: Persuasive Strategies for War and Politics (Savas Beatie).
Best,
tps
Ted I look forward to Miller’s new book, send me a review copy!?
All of the above are good. There are other less well known Regimental histories that I think are excellent. Here are my top 5..
1. Scythe of Fire- The 8th Georgia
2. 6th Wisconsin- by Rufus Dawes- best Iron Brigade book that I i have read. One of the best Regimental histories i have read.
3. My Brave Boys- Col. Cross and the 5th NH
4. The Orphan Brigade- Story of Confederate Kentucky Brigade
5. Lee’s Tigers – Lee’s Lousinana brigade.
Also, I don’t see it mentioned above but Co. Aytch Sam Watkins and the First Tennessee is the best of all time. Hope this helps..
Duceman, very impressive list and several I have not read! But I will!
Chris
I should have spent more time on this. I read every Regimental History that I can get. Here is my top 10..
1. Co.Aytch- Sam Watkins and 1st Tenn. Must be read.
2. All for the Union-Elijah Hunt Rhodes and 2nd RI- must read on Union side.
3. Scythe of Fire-8th Georgia
4. The Twentieth Maine(Stand Firm is also good but I like this one better.)
5. Harvards Civil War- 20th Mass
6. The Last Full Measure- 1st Minnesotta
7. My Brave Boys- 5th NH
8. 6th Wisonsin- Rufus Dawes- this isnt the name of the book. I can’t remember.
9. Covered with Glory-26th NC- mostly at Gettysburg
10. Orphan Brigade- Rebel Kentuckians
Other Civil War books I reccomend:
Not
Patrick Cleburne
From Ashby to Andersonville- 21st Mass
18th Mass
Mother may you never see the sights I have seen-57th Massachusetts
Far From Home-9th Florida
War Like the Thunderbolt- Atlanta Campaign
Team of Rivals- Lincoln- one of the best books I ever read.
This is all I can remember off the top of my head. Anyone else has any reccomendations, I’m all ears man.
Hope this helps.
Duceman.
I’m writing a regimental history of the 179th New York Volunteers. I’m taking a broader approach than most regimental histories do. I would be interested in your comments on my approach–see my website and chapter outline.
Thanks
Ed Rutan
Ed,
I would be honored. I cant find anything about it. Feel free to email me directly.
My website is http://www.179thnyvolunteers.org. I would be interested in any comments you might have.
Ed Rutan
“Footprints of a Regiment” about the 1st Georgia Regulars.