Confederate Generals in the Trans-Mississippi

Brief Summary

"Confederate Generals in the Trans-Mississippi" by Lawrence L. Hewitt is a compelling collection of essays that shifts the focus of Civil War history to the often overlooked Trans-Mississippi Theater. This volume offers an insightful analysis of eight Confederate generals—Thomas Hindman, Theophilus Holmes, Edmund Kirby Smith, Mosby Monroe Parsons, John Marmaduke, Thomas James Churchill, Thomas Green, and Joseph Orville Shelby. Each essay delves into the unique challenges faced by these commanders and the strategic impact of their campaigns in a region marked by sparse infrastructure and difficult terrain.

Main Themes and Topics

The book explores several key themes, primarily focusing on the strategic significance of the Trans-Mississippi Theater, which has historically been undervalued in Civil War scholarship. It contests the notion that the region was merely a dumping ground for ineffective commanders, instead highlighting the tactical innovation and adaptability of its Confederate leaders. The essays collectively argue for the importance of recognizing the complexity and independence of operations west of the Mississippi, as well as their integral role in the broader context of the Civil War.

Writing Style and Tone

The writing style in "Confederate Generals in the Trans-Mississippi" is scholarly yet accessible, making complex military strategies and historical contexts comprehensible for both academic and general audiences. Each essay is well-researched and meticulously documented, reflecting the depth of expertise of the contributors. The tone is objective, striving to provide a balanced and nuanced portrayal of each general's capabilities and the strategic challenges they faced.

Criticism

While the book is praised for shedding light on an underexplored area of the Civil War, some readers may find the focus on military details overwhelming. The intensity of strategic analysis might not appeal to those less interested in military history. Additionally, the book assumes a certain level of prior knowledge about the Civil War, which could be a barrier for casual readers.

Awards and Recognition

Though specific awards for this volume were not mentioned, contributions from Lawrence L. Hewitt and co-editor Thomas E. Schott add significant credibility, given their previous accolades such as the Jefferson Davis Award won by Schott. The expertise of the authors involved assures a high level of scholarly merit and contributes to the book's standing in the field of Civil War history.