First with the Most: Nathan Bedford Forrest

I really enjoyed this GREAT book for its history. Here's a good one for you! I had NEVER heard of Nathan Bedford Forrest until I saw the GREAT film "FORREST GUMP"! Thereafter, I have read any & everything about this very interesting guy! I was raised in South Carolina when Dad was in the USAF, so Dad's interests in the Civil War were highly motivated. I was ONLY a lil' kid; never had learned about Nathan. Fortunately most of Dad's CW interests were passed to me in learning. Read this, please. It is HISTORY to know that is not reported in the school books in Ohio that I am aware at this time. (PS: I am from the Buckeye State..YANKEE, now a MAINAH!)

A very readable book that presents the Confederate side of the battles against the Union Army of Tennessee. Having first read "Nothing But Victory",(Union) by Steven E. Woodworth, a narrative of a Union Army of Tennessee 1861-1865 and "Days of Glory", (Union) by Larry J. Daniel, known as The Army of the Cumberland, 1861-1865, I found "First With the Most", (Confederate) by Robert Selph Henryan excellent counterpoint revealing the struggles of the Southern soldiers and their successes and defeats. I did find that in the two former books that reference to cavalry raid "as being brushed off" by Union forces. Indeed Nathan Bedford Forrest did an excellent job in causing much trouble for the Northern forces and is due his recognition. It is well documented and an interesting read to see some details of the Confederate side. Recommended reading for those interested in the Civil War era.

As a military historian, this is by far the best book I have ever seen on "Bedford" Forrest. My copy is a "1st edition", and although it might not have all the pretty pictures and maps that much of the new and younger generations like to see, it is informative and reaching, delving into the military operations of probably the finest cavalry commander in history. The author really captures the essence of Forrest and his ability as a military commander. He tells it like it was, and how it happened, and when it was written, did not have to concern himself with being "politically correct". I highly reccomend this book. - Greg Pitts

Alright, I admit it, what first interested me in this particular version was the price. I found it on the discount rack at a bookstore and started reading that night. I found it difficult to put down and finished quickly. It was the first biography of Forrest I had read (some years ago) and I was pleasently surprised to find that he was not demonized but judged in the context of his time. Good biography should do just that - keep the person in the context of their time. Mr. Henry's volume may remain my favorite biography of this brilliant general. There are other good ones but it is always difficult to better your first love.

This is the standard for Nathan Bedford Forrest history. One of the most brilliant generals of all time. This book really gets into his campaigns and life. Great book and must read for any Civil War history buff; especially one from Tennessee.