Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam

A solid effort

Mr. Linder, in his review of 11/25/02, is rather unfair to McPherson. First of all, the book is not a novel. Secondly, it is entitled 'Crossroads of Freedom' with 'Antietam' as the subtitle. The book's aim is to place the battle in the larger context of events during 1861-62. Third, the maps are by no means confusing, assuming one knows how to read a map. One hopes that Mr. Linder moved on intellectually from the undergraduate wisdom displayed in his review. This book is a solid effort, perhaps overpraised but valuable for anyone interested in the period.

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A superb short book on a turning point of the Civil War

This book is part of an excellent series called Pivotal Moments in American History, and it shows why the Battle of Antietam was one of those moments. Not just another book about military tactics, it tells a gripping story but puts the fighting in the overall context of the war. I couldn't put this down and I learned more from it than from many longer tomes.

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Well written, but no new insights

As usual, McPherson turns in a very well written and impeccably researched piece of History. The problem is that this short snapshot of the battle of Antietam provides no new insights into the battle than is already widely known and well documented. In fact his description of the actual battle is short and almost besides the point. I would have loved to learn more about A.P. Hill's forced march from Harper's Ferry and his valiant assault on Burnside's left flank or more about what was going on at Lee's command position when his army was in danger of annihilation. Why didn't McClellan advance with his reserve forces, where was he during the battle and what was happening with the cavalry forces from both sides? That is not to say McPherson's descriptions of the political and sociological precursors and effects of the battle aren't of value. It is just that a history of the battle would have been better served by detailing more of the finer points of the tactics and strategies employed. All-in-all, a very good book for the novice reader of Civil War history, but not of great value to those of us who have been over this ground once or twice already.

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Look elsewhere

I found Mr. McPherson's book of no value in learning about what I believe to be the pivotal battle of the Civil War. His narrative provides no insight into the cause and affect of the conflict. I would recommend "Landscape Turned Red", or The Gleam of Bayonets" as prime sources for those new to the topic. McPherson's book is must NOT read!

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Inappropriate Title

One would think a book entitled "Antietam" would be all about the famous battle of Antietam, but upon reading this well overpriced piece of literature I found its purpose was anything but what the title suggested. You have to piece through many chapters of the book -- which are nothing but hundreds of strung together quotes -- just to get to a point where the novel even remotely addresses the battle. When one finally reaches the battle, it is poorly explained, and McPherson offers no additional insight what-so-ever. Just a few basic facts, confusing maps, and unrelated explinations that almost leaves the reader knowing less about the battle then when s/he started reading it. I don't suggest the book for anyone, as there are much better stories of Antietam available.

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Nothing new

I would like to echo Mike C's review. There is nothing new here, only a rehash of quotes from letters and newspaper accounts of the time. At only 156 pages of text total, a short and expensive rehash at that, the actual battle text consumes but 34 pages accompanied by confusing military maps. Too bad that there is nothing new to learn from this book.

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