A Blaze of Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Shiloh

As a retired history teacher, I read everything that Shaara writes. I began with his father's Pulitzer-winning Killer Angels, and have since followed the writings of Jeff Shaara. His research is meticulous, but at the same time, he does point out that he is writing fiction. I find fictional narrative is a strong way to replay history in a way that is engaging and can hold most readers' attention better than non-fiction (though I also recommend those who are serious about this subject to read McPherson and Foote, and maybe Sears if you want every known detail).What fascinated me here was the point of view. I have read other accounts in which Beauregard was a true southern hero, and he is held up as an outstanding role model. To see Shaara defrock him was very interesting. I also learned some things I did not know before (for example, that the state of Kentucky was so bitterly divided on the question of secession that there were dual state governments for a time, each claiming legitimacy).I have to take exception to the reader who felt that Bauer, the rank-and-file soldier, was some sort of cardboard cutout. One thing I always admire about Shaara's work is that he does not write only about the big names where documentation is easily found, but remembers that ultimately, it was the common foot soldiers who had it hardest and often paid most dearly. So many homesick young men had never been anywhere at all prior to enlisting, and had no idea what they were getting into. Shaara's use of Bauer, combined with his conversations and interactions with other rank and file members, provided a more human element. This is a strength, not a weakness.This novel is just the start of a three book trilogy, and I am waiting to see how the other battles will be dealt with, most especially Sherman's campaign in Georgia. The man is a genius with words, and he kept me up late some nights when I couldn't put the book down. Thank you, Mr. Shaara.

Many years ago I read The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara, Jeff's father. I couldn't put it down. It awoke in me a life long curiosity about the Civil War. I've read many histories and biographies about the Civil War, so at this point in my life Jeff's books are like candy to me. I read GODS AND GENERALS, which picks up on several of the characters before Gettysburg, as well as adding "Stonewall" Jackson, who was mortally wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville. Earlier this year, I read Grant's Memoirs, which I recommend to serious students of the Civil War, why it sat on my bookshelf unread for so many decades, I have no idea, as having read it, I now realize just how many serious Civil War historians cite Grant without attribution. Shaara's books are historical novels, he fleshes out many of the chief actors in the great campaigns, some come off as heroic and others as less than heroic, some as tragic. Grant, above all, was a master of movement, constantly acting upon his opponents lines. If checked he would maneuver until he found a more suitable line of attack, more than any other General in the war, he understood the importance of seizing the initiative and forcing his opponent to react to his movements. Shiloh was not his finest battle, he was caught unprepared and nearly routed, but he hung on - or rather his troops, after the initial shock, held on organized their lines and resisted Johnston's onslaught. Reinforced overnight, Grant counterattacked an over extended opponent and routed him on the second day. Johnston bled to death at the high water mark of the confederate attack on the first day, ironically he had on his person a tourniquet which could have saved him, after his death the confederate attack petered out. Shaara adds a depth to the figures, not found in the history books. If this book awakens in young people the interest in the Civil War which his fathers book did to me, it is a very good book. It is our heritage, and we should appreciate the sacrifices the participants in the conflict endured to resolve the issues. I would have liked to see some figures fleshed out more, John Rawlins, for one, Grant's Chief of Staff, a Lawyer from Galena, who in addition to being Grant's Chief of Staff was also his behavior monitor. Hopefully, in one of Shaara's subsequent efforts, Rawlins will be given a more extended portrait.One of the strong points of both Jeff's books and his father's THE KILLER ANGELS is that in their battle descriptions they give you a fairly accurate broad brush stroke of the battle, without tripping over the details, which a lot of more academic histories are guilty of, if you want to know what happened at a battle, see if Jeff wrote a book about it, if he did read it, than read the history books, his descriptions are clearer, and can be used as benchmark for more detailed academic descriptions; their are very few historians whose battle narratives are as clear and concise.I think Jeff's best book is his Civil War Battlefield guide.

Aftermath speculation is a clear part of human behavior. What if's are always surrounding us. If Sydney Johnston was not shoot down in front of the battle, Shiloh battle conclusion have been different and against the Union Army,,, well we will never know that, as in the case of the east scenario with Jackson's dead. This is a must read book without any doubt. Ready to start Vicksburg theater now.

Unfortunately, the star system has to be involved and you find yourself saying you loved reading about blood and guts and general mayhem in a theatre of war. The Civil War of the States of America is a blood drenched tragedy that is still being fought in the hearts and minds of many Americans residing below the Mason-Dixon Line. Books about the war, its political principals and military leaders and everything else imaginable that might be remotely connected would fill a very large book depository. No need to read them all. Allow Mr Shaara Sr. and his son to take you through those terrible years of bloodshed and mayhem and together they will help you to understand a little of the whats and the whys by the whos of both sides as well as those in between.The Shaara writing style is comfortable yet insistent as it takes you into the lives of the main and not so main characters and see their world through their eyes. Sometimes you feel as if you are reading a novel, sometimes it's a history lesson, but the end result is that you will have learned a little more about the savagery of that time but did not feel as if you were sitting through or listening to a lecture.Jeff Shaara takes you for a tour of the battle without leaving the comfort of your chair and you keep turning the pages to see what else you might garner from the battlefield. Like every other Shaara book I have had the privilege to read, this one again lived up to expectation only to surpass and amaze me again as to how I am spellbound by the written word from an artist.

Ohne die Vorgabe des Vaters Michael Shaara und sein hinter dem schrecklichen Titel "The Killer Angels" versteckten Meisterwerk über Gettysburg, gäbe es wahrscheinlich nicht diesen Autor Jeff Shaara. Das Verständnis der amerikanischen Geschichte und vor allem das Verstehen der amerikanischen Sicht wäre um einiges ärmer. Vater und Sohn Shaara verstehen es nicht nur, Kriegsgeschichte lebendig werden zu lassen, sondern sie widerstehen der üblichen Versuchung bei Kriegsromanen Gute und Schlechte in schwarz-weisser Malerei zu übertreiben. Dazu mag beigetragen haben, dass im Bürgerkrieg auf beiden Seiten Amerikaner waren, also auf jeden Fall: die Guten.Shaara bleibt auf meiner Autorenliste ganz oben. Ich würde zwar kaum auf eine deutsche Übersetzung warten wollen, aber schade finde ich es trotzdem, dass dieser Autor nur in Englisch zu Verfügung steht.AP

It was a change to read about the Civil War west of the mountains and Mr Shaarah was just the man to take me there. He writes with precision, including so much history that you know is correct, so that you trust him on less familiar areas.A Blaze of Glory takes the reader to Shiloh, via the long build-up, with both sides fearing the enemy was stronger. Through accounts revolving around Grant, Johnston, Beauregard and others the story passes through the terrible battle to the aftermath, where both sides claimed victory, even though the Confederates retreated. The losses were terrible to both sides.Shaarah's books are wonderful entrances to the aspects of the Civil War and make the reader want to learn more from other sources. He brings to life the names from history books and makes us feel that we know them, with their doubts and uncertainties and their anguish at committing thousands of men to their deaths.Finally, the Amazon price was ridiculously cheap for such a well-bound, well-printed book. One to keep on the book case.

I love Jeff Shaara books. I have them all, but missed the new series. I have started reading this book. It's great to read. Nice storyline. But it is not as great as gods & generals and the last full measure.