Continuing with their very popular graphic history series, this particular one is on one of the more bloody and decisive battles of the US Civil War. The Battle of the Wilderness was fought over a period of days in May of 1864 when Ulysses S. Grant took a Union force of about 120,000 soldiers across the Rapidan River in Virginia to fight the Confederate forced of Robert E. Lee, who had about half that number.

However, as soon as Grant crossed the river, they lost most of their advantage as there was little room for major troop concentrations in the heavily wooded and rugged territory that was being defended by Lee's troops. So heavy was the fire from both sides that sparks from the guns soon set the woods afire and the blazing forest fire claimed thousands of lives on both sides as retreating troops were unable to carry back the wounded, who perished in the flames.

The battle was a tactical victory for Lee, but so diminished his army that future events were mostly in the favor of the Union and this soon led to the end of the war less than a year later.

In this book, there is a introduction into the war and the events leading up to this particular battle. The battle itself is briefly described so that one knows what is being drawn by the artists. The art work itself is very well done and accurately portrays the ebb and flow of the battle. There is a section in the back of the book that explains the aftermath of the battle and how it affected future events.

In all, it is a book that both young and old will enjoy reading as it gives that bit of extra interest in portraying the events in a graphic method. One that I know you will like as I found it to be superb reading.

August 2007

For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has nearly 400,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.