Invincible Sheridan

The standard biography on General Phil Sheridan this popular account deals with every interesting aspect of the celebrated Civil War cavalry commanders life. From standing strong at Stones River and Perryville in the Western Campaign, to leading the Union Cavalry Corps against Lee and Stuart this wonderful biography puts the reader in the saddle for a tour de force of the Civil War. Due to its slightly dated reading this book takes into account many controversies and topics that modern civil war writing seems to have forgotten. The wonderful account also covers Sheridan's post war career both as military governor of Louisiana and Texas and then onto his work on the frontier in pacifying the Sioux, Comanche and other tribes. Custer's defeat is covered in detail as are the interesting careers of Custer and Crook in general, who led cavalry divisions alongside Sheridan in the Civil War. Of most interest for veteran readers on the War is the interesting topic of Sheridan's involvement in supporting Benito Juarez in Mexico against the French as well as Sheridan's short attaché status with the Prussians in 1870 when they defeated Napoleon III outside Sedan. This biography covers much ground and gives amazing insights into the characters as diverse as Grant, Sherman and even the Southern Gentry of the time. The authors pugnacious personality comes through in the wonderful language and forgotten themes of this book, which gives one a refreshment from the Politically correct history of today. A must read for Civil War Buffs and anyone interested in history. Seth J. Frantzman