Historian Albert Castel puts General William T. Sherman's 1864 campaign to capture Atlanta in the context of General Ulysses Grant's Overland campaign in Virginia and Abraham Lincoln's re-election bid that fall. The author describes what the various commanders thought, what they knew, what they did not know, what options were before them, and what they actually did. He is critical of many people in their conduct during this campaign, including Sherman, whose objective was Atlanta and not to destroy the Confederate army before him. On the Union side, he is much more favorable towards George Thomas who made many wise and prescient observations and tactical/strategical suggestions that Sherman generally ignored. On the Confederate side, he singles out Generals S.D. Lee and Leonidas Polk for their deficiencies on the battlefield, but also Generals John Hood and Braxton Bragg for their scheming (as well as some oft their decisions). Confederate President Jefferson Davis is faulted for picking commanders based on their relationship to him, not competency, and for harboring some unrealistic expectations. Decisions in the West is told in present tense, which is unusual for a history book. There are ten chapters. One for each month from January through September, plus a last one about the fall. Because of this strict chronological format, the size of the chapters fluctuate from 13 to 134 pages. ( )

I avoided this book for a long time because it is written in the present tense and that just seemed weird. But, as the author explains, it does lend an immediacy to the narrative. This is the authoritative, definitive account of the Atlanta Campaign. The balance of tactical, strategic, political and logistical aspects is very well done. The writing flows well and the book is very readable. ( )

Considered to be the premier work on the Atlanta campaign. The work is well written with maps to show the movements throughout the campaign. The work is written in the present tense. The author is critical but fair of different generals of both armies. He is especially critical of Sherman and his weaknesses. He is very supportive of George Thomas and his contributions to the victory of the Atlanta campaign. Good for a source of reference to this campaign. ( )

Decision in the West: The Atlanta Campaign of 1864, by Albert Castel (read 10 Apr 1993) This is a 1992 book on the Atlanta campaign of 1864. It is told in the present tense and is masterfully done. I admit the detail is more than I needed, but it oozes research and seems very good. He has little good to say for Sherman and his criticisms all seem logical. I have never read such a detailed study of the Atlanta campaign before. It is well-done. ( )