Richard Slotkin

The stories reflect the different ways Jewish immigrants took to America in the early 20th century, and how America affected them. A kosher butcher with a gambling problem, a boy who struggles to maintain his father’s old-world code of honor on the mean streets of Brooklyn, an immigrant’s son who “discovers America” — its promise and its dark side — as a soldier on leave in WW2, are just a few of the many stories that view the violent circumstances, the emotional and psychological costs of uprooting, which left the immigrant uncertain of his place in America.… (mehr)

Richard Slotkin provides a nice addition to any Civil War library with his compelling book - The Long Road to Antietam. Slotkin focuses on the political run-up to the battle, particularly General McClellan and his motivations, political ambitions, and general poor leadership when it comes to tactical decisions on a battlefield.

Slotkin also spends considerable time with the Emancipation Proclamation, it's effect on the war, and Lincoln's reason for doing it.

While Slotkin perhaps overstated the crisis of government - military versus civilian leadership of the army and McClellan's desire to stage a coup, there is no denying the love the troops did have for the General. And for good reason, as McClellan kept his troops safe from harms way.

Recommended, not for the details which other books do better, but the entire well-rounded package which explains the political forces of the day and the reasons behind decisions and outcomes.… (mehr)