Chancellorsville 1863: The Souls of the Brave Paperback – September 28, 1993

Most Civil War books are written by authors with a background in the conflict. Every once in a while comes along a book from someone with no such experience that is a surprising success (most recently Donald Miller’s book on Vicksburg). Such was the case thirty years ago with Chancellorsville 1863 penned by the late Ernest Furgurson. Over the years, there has been praise from many professional historians about this book being so well written and researched. Indeed, it is high on the list of recommended reading for an upcoming Chancellorsville conference and set of tours I will attend next month. And so it was with pleasure that I sat down to reread this book in preparation.It was like catching up with an old friend. Furgurson’s account holds up extremely well and remains a classic. Unlike certain professional journalists whose writing is simply workmanlike, Furgurson’s contains more elegance and exposition. Reading his account is not an experience in dry historical fact. There are a number of moving passages, especially in his telling of Stonewall Jackson’s mortal wounding and subsequent final days.Anyone reading this book for the first time will receive a clear and engaging explanation of how and why the battle unfolded. Many intriguing firsthand accounts are included. Readers will find themselves with excellent understanding of this pivotal battle, which many have called Robert E. Lee’s greatest victory in the Civil War. Although one reviewer here claims the Confederates “lost as many men as the Union,” this is not accurate. See page 330. It is true though that in percentage terms the smaller Confederate Army lost a greater percentage of men than the larger Federal Army. In any event, Lee not only prevented his smaller Army from being surrounded and destroyed, he badly damaged the Federal Army and northern morale. One can debate the magnitude of the victory, but a great one it was for Lee.Stephen Sears’ subsequent book on Chancellorsville provides an excellent deeper dive into the battle for those readers wanting even a more intensive micro study. But as much as I admire that book, I still unhesitatingly recommend Furgurson’s book both for the novice and budding Civil War readers.It was my good fortune to hear Furgurson speak about his book at a local Baltimore book shop; for many years, he was a journalist and columnist for our local daily newspaper. Trim as he must as have been back in his Marine Corps day, an articulate speaker, at ease with the subject matter, and modest, he gave a presentation that kept the audience closely attentive. My signed copy of his book is a nice reminder of that day many years ago.Having just finished reading this book again, I continue my preparation for the upcoming conference/tours of the battle in which my great-great grandfather fought (and thankfully survived!).

Ernest Ferguson wrote a readable account of the Battle of Chancellorsville. It has a good flow and is not overwhelming with details. His description of the battle is easy to follow. However, I disagree with his conclusion about the Battle of Chancellorsville. He, like many others, argue this is Lee's greatest victory. Outnumbered three-to-one, Lee split his army in half and won a battle that should have been a loss. I don't see how it is a great victory considering the Confederacy lost as many men as the Union, which they could not replace, he lost his best corp commander Stonewall Jackson, the Army of Potomac escaped, and Lee even stated it was not a great victory. Although, I disagree with his conclusion, it is a good book to get an account of the battle. Maybe you agree with his conclusion, but I don't.

Mr. Furgurson brought to life the many participants of this great battle, General Lee's greatest victory. His description of the battlefield & the flow of the battle is outstanding. Having visited the battlefield, I was able to really "picture" the movements of the troops. Anyone that is a great fan, as I am, of General Stonewall Jackson will find this book really worth having. I am very happy to have added it to my library.

A well-written study of an important battle of the War Between the States. Highly detailed, with the results of some useful new research. Seems objective and balanced; certainly not a panegyric of Lee or Jackson.

Really good book told in a concise way. Easy enough to read and understand. Author had good knowledge of the subject

This is a well written, comprehensive overview of the battle of Chancellorsville. The author has created a well balanced book that provides insight at both the strategic and tactical levels. His use of first person source material brings the battle to life and makes for compelling reading. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Civil War and this battle in particular.

at times was a bit wordy but it captured the sense of the times

Excellent....fair amount of backstory...

Very good

Book was well written and the battle was easy to follow.