William Tecumseh Sherman
In the Service of My Country: A Life
25 July 2017
Description
The New York Times best-selling biography of one of America’s most storied military figures.
General William Tecumseh Sherman’s 1864 burning of Atlanta solidified his legacy as a ruthless leader. Evolving from a spirited student at West Point, Sherman became a general who fought in some of the Civil War’s most decisive campaigns—Shiloh, Vicksburg, Atlanta—until finally, seeking a swift ending to the war’s horrendous casualties, he devastated southern resources on his famous March to the Sea across the Carolinas. Later, as general-in-chief of the U.S. Army, Sherman relentlessly paved the way west during the Indian wars. James Lee McDonough’s fresh insight reveals a man tormented by fears that history would pass him by and that he would miss his chance to serve his country. Drawing on years of research, McDonough delves into Sherman’s dramatic personal life, including his strained relationship with his wife, his personal debts, and his young son’s death. The result is a remarkable, illuminating portrait of an American icon.
Reviews
"[McDonough] offers a great deal of shrewd military analysis, but what gives the book its vigor is [his] presentation of Sherman’s propulsive personality." — Richard Snow, The Wall Street Journal
"[McDonough] tells this story well." — Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review
"A fascinating American life." — John Timpane, Philadelphia Inquirer
"Superbly researched and richly detailed, James McDonough’s William Tecumseh Sherman judiciously guides the reader through the epic life of the man who might be history’s most complicated soldier. For Sherman fans it is a must-read, and for others, a worthwhile endeavor." — Robert L. O’Connell, best-selling author of Fierce Patriot: The Tangled Lives of William Tecumseh Sherman
"James McDonough’s William Tecumseh Sherman is the first major biography of this complex, challenging figure in almost a quarter century, and it is deeply researched and thoughtfully presented. Engagingly written, it brings new perspective to Sherman’s prewar years and the benefit of a lifetime of study to his Civil War career. Perhaps no one will ever completely capture Sherman, but McDonough’s wide net snares more than enough of the new with the old to make this a life well worth reading." — William C. Davis, author of Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee—The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
"A vigorous military biography…welcome reading for any student of Civil War history." — Kirkus, starred review
"A well-rounded study…Everything about this book will interest readers who want to know more about antebellum America and the Civil War." — Library Journal, starred review
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