New Civil War book

Master of War: The Life of General George H. Thomas.
Bobrick, Benson (author).
Feb. 2009. 432p. illus. Simon & Schuster, hardcover, $28


Review:

Bobrick’s admirable biography of Union General George Thomas is the first full-scale treatment in too many years. The scion of a slaveholding Virginia family, Thomas had a distinguished prewar career, including service in the Mexican War and continuously after it until the outbreak of civil war. Alienating his family, he remained in Union service and quickly proved his mettle. His record during the last two years of the war was stellar: an epic stand at Chickamauga, victory at Missionary Ridge, solid work in the Atlanta campaign, and a final decisive victory at Nashville. Possibly the ablest tactician of the war—not to mention one of its most attractive personalities—Thomas failed to receive his due, Bobrick argues, because he failed to write his memoirs (he died on active duty in 1870) and because of the envy of men like Sherman and Grant, both of whom did. Bobrick may not prove his case against Thomas’ superiors, but he certainly persuades us that Thomas deserved the honorific with which the book is titled. Civil War collections, rejoice.

— Roland Green