History of Kershaw's Brigade   By: D. Augustus Dickert

History of Kershaw's Brigade by D. Augustus Dickert is a remarkable piece of work that captures the essence of the American Civil War with extraordinary detail. This book delves deep into the history and experiences of Kershaw's Brigade, shedding light on the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices made by these brave soldiers.

Dickert's meticulous research and extensive knowledge on the subject shine through in every chapter, painting a vivid picture of the Brigade's involvement in key battles such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. The author's attention to detail is truly commendable, as he incorporates numerous primary sources, personal accounts, and official reports to reconstruct the events with great accuracy.

The narrative is presented in a chronological manner, allowing readers to follow the Brigade's journey from their formation to their disbandment. Dickert skillfully outlines the challenges they faced, both on and off the battlefield, providing valuable insights into the life and experiences of a Confederate soldier during this tumultuous period in American history.

One of the book's great strengths lies in its balanced portrayal of the soldiers themselves. Instead of glorifying war or demonizing the enemy, Dickert humanizes the individuals who fought on both sides. He explores their motivations, struggles, and aspirations, highlighting the common threads that connected them all as individuals caught up in the maelstrom of war.

Furthermore, the author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making History of Kershaw's Brigade a compelling read for both history enthusiasts and casual readers. The seamless integration of factual information and personal narratives ensures that the book remains engaging and avoids becoming too didactic or dry.

The only minor criticism one could offer is that at times, the sheer amount of detail and intricate battle descriptions can be overwhelming. Some readers may find themselves occasionally getting lost in the myriad of names, dates, and locations. However, this can easily be overcome by taking a more leisurely approach to reading and using the comprehensive index as a reference guide.

Overall, History of Kershaw's Brigade is an impressive historical account that shines a spotlight on an often overlooked aspect of the American Civil War. D. Augustus Dickert's passion for his subject matter is evident throughout the book, making it a valuable addition to any Civil War library. This meticulously researched and engagingly written work provides a captivating glimpse into the lives of these unsung heroes, ensuring their stories will be remembered for generations to come.

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First, it is a very rare and valuable book. Privately published by Dickert's friend and neighbor, Elbert H. Aull, owner editor of the small town weekly Newberry (S.C.) Herald and News, almost all of the copies were shortly after water logged in storage and destroyed. Meantime, only a few copies had been distributed, mostly to veterans and to libraries within the state. Small wonder, then, that Kershaw's Brigade ... so long out of print, is among the scarcest of Confederate War books a point underscored by the fact that no copy has been listed in American Book Prices Current in fifty years. Only one sale of the book is recorded in John Mebane's Books Relating to the Civil War (1963), an ex library copy which sold for $150. More recently, another copy, oddly described as "library indicia, extremely rare," was offered for sale by second hand dealer for $200... Continue reading book >>