General George H. Thomas: A Biography of the Union's
I do not envy author Robert P. Broadwater. Though has he written a solid biography of one of the Union’s best generals, his book will be overshadowed by Benson Bobrick’s Master of War: The Life of General George H. Thomas, a book released in the same year by a much larger publisher, at a much lower price. The reasons for Thomas’ relatively low status in the pantheon of Union heroes are many. He was not a man of flashing charisma; he cared little for the political machinations of the Civil War army; and he did not live long enough to advocate for his place in history. Thomas was indeed a rock among Union commanders, however, and it is refreshing to see skilled historians focusing their talents on him. Thomas merits remembrance if for no other reason than his complete thrashing of John Bell Hood’s army at Nashville in 1864. Broadwater asserts correctly that no commander on either side devastated his opponent as soundly as did Thomas at Nashville. Thomas’ victory, however, is studied and emulated far less than Meade’s victory at Gettysburg, or Grant’s victory at Vicksburg. If Broadwater merits criticism, it is for his frequent comparisons of Thomas to other Union luminaries, such as Grant, Sherman and Sheridan. From West Point to Mexico and beyond, Broadwater points out that Thomas surpassed these men in many respects, including academic accomplishment, number of brevets, and other military feats. The author’s comparisons seem as if they are meant more to lessen Grant and company, as much as they are meant to uplift Thomas. Another criticism has nothing to do with the author. McFarland Publishing deserves great credit for bringing works to the public that might never see the light of day, but the price of many of these books is unpalatable, especially in a bad economy. It is hard to imagine why anyone would pay nearly $40 - more with shipping - for a paperback book, unless the subject of the book is of intense personal interest. Thomas believed that time and history would do him justice. At long last, perhaps history – or historians, at least – are catching up to his prophecy. Reviewer: John Deppen is past president of the Susquehanna CWRT, a member of General John F. Hartranft Camp #15 of the SUVCW and a living historian who portrays Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock. His articles and reviews have appeared in Military Heritage, Gettysburg Magazine, The Civil War News and The Daily Item in central Pennsylvania.
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Illustrated, maps, notes, bibliography, index, soft cover, 264pp., 2009. McFarland, Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640, $39.95 plus shipping.