Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest

by John Allan Wyeth, T De Thulstrup (Illustrator)

Overview

Nathan Bedford Forrest remains one of the most electrifying and controversial figures in American military history. In Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest, John Allan Wyeth—a physician, Civil War veteran, and former Confederate soldier—offers an intimate and deeply researched portrait of a man revered for his daring and feared for his ruthlessness. Wyeth's vivid prose captures Forrest's unparalleled mastery of cavalry tactics, his meteoric rise from private to general without formal military training, and his ability to inspire fierce loyalty among his troops. Yet Wyeth does not shy away from Forrest's darker legacy, including his involvement with the Ku Klux Klan. Through detailed battle accounts, personal anecdotes, and contextual analysis, Wyeth presents Forrest as a complex character: a military genius whose reputation straddles the line between heroism and infamy. This engaging biography is indispensable for readers seeking to understand the Civil War's human dimensions and the tumultuous currents of Southern history. A compelling exploration of courage, controversy, and the enduring impact of leadership.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781779790880
Publisher:	Porirua Publishing
Publication date:	06/20/2025
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	604
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

Born on May 26, 1845, in Alabama and passing away on May 22, 1922, John Allan Wyeth was an American surgeon, author, and Confederate veteran. He served in the Confederate cavalry during the Civil War before pursuing a distinguished career in medicine. Wyeth became a leading figure in American surgical practice, co-founding the New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hospital. Beyond medicine, he authored historical works, most notably Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest, reflecting his enduring Southern identity. His life bridged two worlds—battlefield and hospital—and left a complex legacy in both.