by Ron Field.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 64 pages. 2026.
This overview covers the usual ACW siege tactics, including saps, mining and tunneling, trenches, rifle pits, artillery bombardments, blockade, and storming. New to me is Professor Robert Grant’s Calcium Light — an oxygen-hydrogen combination that heats a block of calcium oxide, producing a light that’s bounced off a reflector dish to light up the night. It was used by the Union at Fort Wagner, helping Union sharpshooters pick off CSA soldiers as they tried to repair damage to the fort (p35).
Three sieges are covered in a bit more detail: Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and Petersburg.
The booklet contains 23 black and white photos, 31 black and white illustrations, six color illustrations, one black and white map, and seven color one-page illustrations.
For a quick overview, it does the job nicely.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
