There’s a lot about that list that doesn’t make sense, as I pointed out myself.

However, I am nevertheless grateful to be included.

John Maass–how goes the job?

Eric

The both of you have done a great service to the mounted arm and your work will stand for years.

I am puzzled that Bradley or Fonvielle didn’t make the list with their standard setting works on the Carolinas and Wilmington Campaigns.

Wade

First of all, hearty congrats on being on the CWI list. And I mean that. Hope you didn’t mind that little poke in the ribs I gave you in my post above; it was meant in fun.

Having had a chance to sleep on it and read the comments on some other blogs, I have several more serious thoughts.

Must say I was very surprised indeed to see my book on the list – and that is not false modesty. I worked hard on it, stand by its conclusions, and believe that “A Little Short of Boats” is far and away the best book out there on Ball’s Bluff if I do say so myself. I’d even go so far as to say it probably could legitimately be included on a list of the Top 50 for 2004, the year it came out. But “of all time?” Whew! That is heady stuff.

Nonetheless, it is extremely flattering to know that CWI’s readers, people who, whatever the specific level of their knowledge actively read on the Civil War, think that highly of one’s own work, even if their list should more correctly be titled “The 50 Favorite Civil War Books of CWI Readers At This Time.” That calls for gratitude and I am grateful.

Like some others who have commented on the blogs, I’d quibble with several of the included titles, especially the fiction, the reference books, and the Golden Book. Still, perhaps the poll organizers didn’t specify non-fiction; the list heading does say “Civil War BOOKS” rather than “Civil War HISTORIES.” Plus, it was the effort of a group so it can be assumed that most individuals will disagree with something on it.

So, congrats to all who made the list. And you can be sure that I will be insisting to all my non-Civil War friends that CWI’s list is THE definitive “best books” list of all time.

Rally ’round the flag.
Jim

Mike

Hee, hee, hee.

Jim

Since everyone’s a critic and I’m no different, I have two minor complaints: it would be great to have a detailed map at the start of each chapter showing Stuart’s route during the time period covered by the chapter, supplementing the tactical maps of the engagements; also, I think the biographical digressions on major characters, while interesting, interrupt the otherwise strong narrative drive. I don’t know how this might have been better handled.

But this is only dust in the wind. I’m really enjoying the book; it’s a great read and a must for anyone interested in Civil War battles and campaigns.