Xmas in November :)

A few weeks ago I hit the jackpot. (At Half Price Books in Austin).
I found a Harold B. Simpson title, Texas in the War 1861-1865. It is a 3rd edition and signed! It was pricey, but not prohibitive. I have been looking for this book for quite a while. Diligence pays off, hurray!
Several other titles that I obtained are: War and Thunder, The Battle and Burning of Atlanta by Russell S. Bonds, Vicksburg, Sentinels of Stone by Timothy T. Isabell (a coffee table picture book), Carrying the Flag by Gordon Rhea. These titles will be perused with extreme interest soon.
More soon. Family needs the computer and I do not have time to blog.

A Look Ahead

I am looking forward to a bit of a break.
I am planning to take a semester off of my Master's studies to focus on my AP classes at Sam. This will give me an opportunity to read a CW book or two.
I have several recent additions. Groom's study of Vicksburg is one. It looks good. I saw his lecture on BookTV and was impressed with what he had to say. I've read one of his books before.
I have several books previously blogged that I want to pursue. Notably the Texas Civil War artifact book.
I read some of a biography of Chamberlain and was not impressed. Had some writing/editing issues that bothered me. I'll try it later down the road.
I have a few Gettysburg books to read as well. I'm behind on my Gettysburg Magazine reading (about 10 issues!).
I would like to read a few of the Lincoln acquisitions too.
So much to read!

Difficult times!

Ugh! My Master's class has cramped my style! No time for CW books.
It isn't worth it. I must have my CW reading! Life is too short to not read CW literature.
I knew I'd have to sacrifice a lot for this class. But it is not worth it. I am thinking that the whole Master's thing is not my thing.
What is the payoff? Will I use it? Am I a reading specialist? Besides having read over a thousand books during the last 20-plus years, what does it all mean?
All the reading and writing I do makes me who I am. These CW books, close readings, writing, and fiction all make me the teacher that I am.
To what purpose? If I could pursue a History degree, I think I'd do it. It is not the course. In fact, I've made 9.5's and 10's on all my work. It is not the reading or writing that I dislike. I am jealous of the time it takes away from my reading and writing.
Ugh.
I'd promised I'd keep this blog just about CW books.
As you can see from the last entry...not much has been read in this area.
Ugh!

Summer reading completed

I finished D. White's A. Lincoln.
His thesis that Lincoln continues to fascinate us because he eludes simple definitions and final judgments is an excellent idea.
I found his book very readable. I liked it because White's style was an easy going narrative that moved Lincoln's life forward without meandering side stories that were irrelevant.
He showed over and over how Lincoln's attitudes, reflections, writings, speeches, and all his actions evolved over time and changed as the situations dictated. Lincoln never was set in stone and was open for changes in his policies. He used the opposition for their strengths in his Cabinet.
He quite often would argue the opposing views as he tried to persuade.
It is interesting to note how Lincoln's writings, whether in letters or speeches, usually evolved from earlier thoughts and reflections. His writings were never extemporaneous or first drafts. He always would chew on a thought or idea over time. Very little was done without deliberation. Lincoln's style included rhetorical devises that were complex and beautifully used. Amazing, actually.
He was a studied and religious person. He contemplated the major ideas of his day. He was liberal in his thoughts of theology. He quite often would write ideas on scraps of paper and use them later in his speeches or letters.
As I stated, his policies over time evolved. He did not start the war with emancipation. He did not start the war over slavery. Over time, these things which he is known for came from necessities brought on by the war. They were war measures. He has been criticized for this in recent times. He, like us, are products of our time, and very few of us are enlightened.
I loved White's style. I could pick up the book at any time and read. He uses short breaks that allow reading at any pace. Some days I read pages by the dozen and others just a page or two. It is a captivating book that I am blessed to have read.
A good addition to my Civil War library.
Now, lots more Lincoln books to read!!

Summer Almost Over

Here we are through most of the summer and I'm still on White's book. It is awesome!
I looked on my shelf and I really have overdone it this year on Lincoln books, haha. 15! Yep, and I only have read 2! Hurray! I got lots to catchup on!! Won't happen quickly, that's for sure. With school and possible graduate school looming ahead. I will try to finish A. Lincoln before I return to school on Aug. 17. In fact, that's a for sure deal. Then I will take a break. For how long I'm not sure yet. Depends.
Anyway, I hope to travel to Shiloh @ Xmas with Tony. That'll be fun. Otherwise, back in the saddle again. Ugh.
I'll let this blog know my thoughts on the book soon!

More CW titles!

Here's a list of recent acquisitions:
Lincoln:President-Elect by Harold Holzer
Lincoln:Biography of a Writer by Fred Kaplan
The Lincoln Anthology Edited by Harold Holzer
Lincoln's Melancholy by Joshua Shenk
Texas Civil War Artifacts by Richard Ahlstrom
The Battle of the Wilderness by Gordon Rhea
Gettysburg Requiem: The Life of...Wm. C. Oates by Glenn LaFantasie
The State of Jones by Sally Jenkins and John Stauffer.
I have my summer reading, for sure!
I'm still currently reading White's biography of Lincoln. Excellent read. I'm also reading a CW-related fiction book titled The Known World by Edward Jones. It won the Pulitzer a few years back. It's about a black slave owner.
A little known fact about the Civil War was that there were black slave owners. I've tried starting this book several times but haven't been able to get "into" it. 3rd time is a charm. Interesting from the get-go.
It's strange, but that happens quite often. I can't seem to get into a book so I'll put it down and try it a year or so later. Then, bang, it's great from the first sentence. I guess you have to be in the right frame of mind or something. Anyway, it's very good.

A New Read

I have recently started a new book, A. Lincoln: A Biography. It is a fascinating book written in a readable style that has captivated me from the start.
It's books like this that make me the luckiest person in the world because I read. It makes you so joyful to read books, whether fiction, or in this case, non-fiction. I'm also reading a non CW fiction book that is a very fun read.
It's amazing that Lincoln holds one's fascination and interest. I never tire of his story. Of course it helps that a writer as good as R.C. White is writing the book. It's my first read by him.
The book was highly recommended by the Lincoln Gettysburg Forum. The two men who lead that group are Lincoln enthusiasts, to say the least.
This book is the 4th or 5th book that I've gotten this year on Lincoln, the bicentennial of his birth. I have several more books to buy and read, too.
A good time to get "into" this great American. Wow.
It's a great time to be reading because the summer is here soon, and I can get into reading VERY seriously. I plan a book a week, at least. Yea!
I plan to blog seriously, too. I hope to go to Shiloh this summer. I plan to travel quite a bit so there will be plenty of time to add to this journal while on the road.
It's a great time to be a teacher! The end of May is awesome!! Looking forward mightily to happy days to happy nights reading!!

New and Recent Editions

Several new books added to my library: Nevin's The War for the Union (several volumes from the series). I also bought In Lincoln's Hand which notes his writings (copies in his handwriting) and commentaries by a variety of writers.
I obviously have too many books to read, ha ha.
Unfortunately, this years GNMP trip has been canceled. Dan had to back out due to fiduciary difficulties.
So to exchange that disappointment with glee, my friend Tony Adema has agreed to go to Shiloh with me this summer. Can't wait. That will be fun. He's never been to a Civil War battlefield so I know he'll be impressed. Quite a beautiful and memorialized park, that.
I recently sent a note to Garry Wills requesting his autograph to place in my copy of Lincoln at Gettysburg: Words That Remade America. He was so kind to return a autograph.
I also requested one from Gallagher and McPherson. No response. I suppose they do not do that kind of thing.
I love Will's book; it's one of my all-time favorite CW books. I've reread it numerous times. I plan to analyze it (Lincoln's Address) in my AP Lit. course.
(I also love another of Will's book, What Jesus Meant, but that's not CW related so I skip the discourse on that one.)

Book Finished!

I have finished recently Wm. Miller's President Lincoln: Duty of a Statesman. Excellent read! I liked especially the ending text.
The correspondence from around the world at his death was an area I had not known. I was amazed at the enormity of grief from around the world.
I really liked listening to it, as well. Usually, I read a book before I listen to it on tape or CD. This was a splurge for the Big Bend trip. It was well worth the price. I don't normally pay that much for a book, either. $50.
Anyway, I will listen to it again, for sure. I want to eventually buy the book for its bibliography. I saw it the other day as it's recently come out in paperback. The notes and sources looked impressive.
I think that my interests have now evolved to Lincoln. I want to read and learn more about him and his administration. The curiosity grows with each excellent read. My Lincoln library has room to grow! Good news to family and friends, I'm sure.
I give this book a hearty recommendation and look forward to a long journey so I can read it again!

Book TV

On Book TV this weekend I watched a reenactment of Lincoln's speech at the Cooper Street Union Station. Originally given in 1860, Lincoln gave this speech as a candidate for president. It was masterfully reenacted by Sam Waterson. What a speech! What a presentation.
I found the speech itself mesmerizing. Artfully articulated and logically presented with abundant evidence and excellently delivered. What an orator and rhetor Lincoln was!
The speech itself ran approximately 90 minutes. I wish orators today would give as detailed and elaborated talks about the relevant issues and topics as did Lincoln in his day. I like the Leher News Hour for that reason. In depth. No "sound bites" and little essays shallowly expored. Something with a bit of meat. Balanced.
Back to this show I watched last night. Lincoln took no prisoners. He tore into the arguments point by point and refuted all the positions of the South. I would have no way supported the Confederacy. The Union had the right and might as Lincoln concluded.
As stated in a previous entry, there's no way of knowing, but many a southerner fought for or supported the Union.
As we have just passed the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, there are many programs dealing with Lincoln. I am now highly motivated to become a persuer of Lincoln books. I have been a Gettysburg affectionado, but I'm now going to enhance my library with Lincoln books. I have several I haven't read on my bookshelf that I am now motivated to read.
If I could just find the time!

Current Read

I bought a new CD for my Big Bend trip. It's titled President Lincoln: Duty of a Statesman by Wm. Miller.
I'm 2/3rds through it and it is very good. It's a great book to listen to on the road. Captivating, actually.
I listened to it on a recent trip to Abilene, too. It eats up the miles. The good narrator gives the text added enjoyment. I really like it.
Not too many entries this year.
Lately, no time for books. writing, or anything. Just school.
More later.

Book finished!

I finished General Lee's Army by J.T.Glatthaar. It has great insight in the day-to-day activities of the common soldier in the Army of Northern Virginia. It also delves into the command structure, logistics, and problems that confronted Lee continuously.
His administrative capabilities were excellent but perhaps he could have used a bit more help with the logistical problems of running an army of such magnitude. His staff was good, but the author gave plenty of examples of how Lee was forced to micromanage at times. That was unfortunate because it diverted his attention from matters that were more important in the long run.
This is a very fine book on the inner-workings of one of the most powerful armies of its time. A definite recommendation, for sure. It's very readable and organized in a logical and informative way. His research is meticulous and relevant. You can find many sources that are begging to be researched for further interest. Scholarly yet very readable for the amateur (it took him many years to complete).
It lays to rest many "legends" and gives solid research to support his points. As I was reading this I heard many inaccurate statements made by lay people (in certain circles) about the mythology of Lee's army and of southerners in general. The author refutes many of these myths with solid evidence and superior research.
As stated, his style is readable and your interest never wavers. I'm very glad the author sacrificed so many years in the making of this fine volume that will enhance and compliment my CW library.
A good time will be had by reading this book!