John F. Marszalek

Worthwhile addition to any library

This book provides a brief but helpful overview of Sherman's march to the sea. A nice feature of the book is biographical information of key figures provided in insets. The author also provides a helpful explanation of Sherman's motivations, and he tries to separate fact from later propaganda.

I loved this book. It was an enlightening look into the mind of an often misunderstood man. Sherman has been maligned by many southerners because of the march to the sea, but this book makes the point that Sherman's desire was to end the war as quickly as possible with as little of loss of life as possible. Any atrocities that were committed were not by his will or permission. Sherman actually seems to be a man who loved the south.

Enjoyed this quite a bit. Nothing new or earth shattering particularly, but a unique way to focus on Jackson's administration, and on the role gender played during the period!