In the course of finishing the library project yesterday, I found something that I didn’t know that I had. My first book, Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions, was published in 1998. It won the Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award as the best new work interpreting the Battle of Gettysburg of 1998. The book has been out of print for four or five years now, and copies of the original edition have become quite rare. New copies of it sell for over $100, which amazes me. It’s a softcover book of about 140 pages, and it retailed for $12.95.
I have a new edition of the book coming out in just a few weeks. The new edition is being indexed as I write this. It’s fully revised, with a lot of new material being added. I’m excited about the new edition, but the original occupies a special place in my heart as my first book.
When I finished up the library project last night, I found a brand new copy of the 1998 edition of Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions that I didn’t know that I had. It’s been years since I had one to sell, simply because it’s long out of print. It’s too close to the release date of the new edition, so I’m not going to try to sell it.
Instead, I’ve decided that I will give it away to one of you. We’re going to have a little contest. If you want it, leave me a comment that explains the reasons why you should be the one to get it. I will select the winner two weeks from today, and will announce the winner here on this blog. Have at it, and have fun!
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Because I was the first person to take you up on it.
Because I have read three of your other books and I would love to read this one too.
Because Gettysburg is of particular interest, plus, your 1974 series, Burfetta, featuring inspector Chet Bertolet, is also hard to come by.
Because we go back…way back to the old WebAmerica Civil War chat room…and because your books represent an ever-expanding corner of my own library.
Because I am a poor college student who would like something to read that is not a textbook. I’ve also never gotten to read any of your published works, which I think is a shame.
Hi Eric,
There are are many reasons why I should get this book.
The Civil War has been a passion of mine since I was a small child. Living in Western Canada, getting quality Civil War material has bee a huge challenge to say the least.
Another reason is that I am related to one of the subjects in this book and this work has given me a great appreciation of his service and his actions at Gettysburg.
My final reason is, my original copy of this book that I picked up years ago on my first visit to Gettysburg, is falling apart due to my extensive use of this book.
I thank you for your consideration,
R.A. McDonald
So far, so good. All six have been good reasons. Keep ’em coming, folks….
I would submit myself as a candidate because I would greatly enjoy reading it and I’m a loyal reader of your blog and customer of your books. I have purchased and read 7 (6 new, 1 very used) of the books you wrote and/or co-authored. Even my wife, who has never read a Civil War book in her life, knows your name because I have talked about your books so frequently.
Kinda odd but the order that I read them is:
Glory Enough for All
Plenty of Blame to Go Around
The Union Cavalry Comes of Age
One Continuous Fight
Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads
Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly
The Battle of Brandy Station
Also perhaps strange is that my favorite is the first one I read (Trevelian Station) – If I remember right the first time I read it I stayed up half the night because I couldn’t put it down.
None of your books has disappointed – they’ve all been compelling reads and it is about time I read another one. I purchased Brandy Station in 2010 so I by now I must be suffering from New Wittenberg-Reading-Material Withdrawal (NWRMW). This book would be an excellent antidote.
Because my GGF James MacAvoy (aka: James Avoy) was a 16 year old recruit in the 1st NJ Cavalry and was there in July of 1863.
Eric,
I think I should get it since I was the one who blew the whistle on a certain venture a year and a half ago. I shed some light on the inner goings on that helped you and JD realize that they were not what not portraying themselves properly. Besides that well, because I’m loyal follower of your blog and add my two cents when I think that it might mean something but otherwise keep my mouth shut.
Love your books, they are a very enjoyable read but I cannot come up with such “brown nosing” as above. j/k
First consideration should be anyone with a Federal Cavalry ancestor.
I would submit myself, a loyal reader but first time commenter. I spent last summer and fall, while on deployment in Uganda investigating last years bombings, reading Mr. Wittenberg’s other books. Since I am heading back in several weeks for, what is hopefully, the conclusion, I can round out the list with this lost nugget.
I was trying to come up with a compelling, sure fired, guaranteed, winning story. But that level of effort this early made my head hurt.
So now you owe me because you gave me a headache!
Regards,
Dennis
Because I know where you live, pal.
🙂
Seriously, cool find. I already own a copy, personally signed of course. All the above are great submissions – I don’t envy you having to decide!
J.D.
Since I have a copy, I would donate this copy to the CWT, to be raffled off to raise funds for battlefield preservation.
Phil
I would like to request that you consider my post. I am a Philadelphia Public High School teacher who desperately tries to work Gettysburg and the Civil War into our curriculum. Your book would be a welcomed addition to my classroom library.
Eric,
I have the book, which is inscribed. But if I had a vote it would be Joe Fafara.
Just my 2 cents, worth less when you consider inflation.
Mike Peters
I LIKED YOUR BOOK SO MUCH I WENT TO A BOOKBINDER AND TURNED IT INTO A HARDCOVER. I READ IT SEVERAL TIMES AND ITS ON MY SHELF WITH THE OTHER 14 OF YOUR BOOKS. I WOULD DONATE IT TO A LOCAL ROUND TABLE IN CHICAGO AREA- WITH THE PROVISO THAT THEY ARE BRINGING YOUNG RECRUITS INTO THE FOLD. WE HAVE TONS OF GOOD BOOKS BUT NOT ENOUGH YOUNG PEOPLE BECOMING CIVIL WAR BUFFS OR HISTORY READERS FOR THAT MATTER. THANKS
Hi Eric.
I think I deserve to win your book because I don’t know anywhere near enough about Cavalry, and if you gave the book to me, it would help to change that quite a lot. Remember, education is everything.
Also, I am your favorite Canadian Confederate!!
Regards, Mitch.
Because I am the publisher and I need a copy. 🙂
Because Duncan says I should get it.
I realize it’s too late to compete, the book is already awarded (and to an excellent recipient), so I will have to console myself with my first edition copy of The Invisible Dragon: Four Essays on Beauty.
🙂
GE