Standing Like a Stone Wall: The Life of General Thomas J. Jackson - Hardcover

Robertson, Jr., James I.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 068982419X ISBN 13: 9780689824197

Publisher: Atheneum, 2001

Synopsis

Provides the biography of this American military hero, from his earliest days as an orphan and his accomplishments at West Point through his successes during the Mexican-American War and campaigns as a general in the Civil War.

About this title

About the Author:

James I. Robertson Jr. teaches the largest Civil War history course in the nation and is the recipient of every major award given in the field of Civil War history. His latest book, Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend, has won an unprecedented eight awards in national competition. A native of Danville, Virginia, Dr. Robertson received a B.A. from Randolph-Macon College and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Emory University. He is currently the Alumni Distinguished Professor and Executive Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he lives.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 6 Up-A strong and complete biography of the famous Confederate general. Robertson's detailed portrait of his subject's youth reveals the many experiences that shaped the man. But the emphasis, of course, is on Jackson's life and work during the Civil War, and it is here that the book's strengths and weaknesses are most apparent. The author uses copious primary sources, smoothly integrating accounts from Jackson's soldiers, superiors, and family members, and from the many letters he wrote home to his wife describing the progression of the war. While clearly a fan, Robertson does not shrink from pointing out Jackson's failings, offering historically sound explanations for the man's actions and a clear account of how he acquired his famous nickname. The black-and-white photographs and reproductions are well selected and well placed throughout. Unfortunately, at about midpoint, the thoroughness approaches textbooklike monotony, limiting the book's appeal to young readers, who may also be confused by the constant interchange of the terms "Union," "Federal," and "Yankee." The lack of keys for the maps and battle diagrams is a great disappointment, rendering them practically moot for student purposes. However, the perennial Civil War and biography assignments and the topic's draw for Civil War buffs should secure the book circulation.

Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 068982419X
• ISBN 13: 9780689824197
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192