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by Curtis L. Older.
Hardback (6.3×9.3 inches). 210 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: Prelude to Emancipation
Prior to the Battle of Antietam, the Union Army met the Confederate Army covering the flank at Fox Gap, where the Rebels were defeated and pushed back. Here is a hyper-detailed tactical look at the movements, terrain, and Battle of South Mountain. Chapter 2 is basically the Union perception of the battle and Chapter 3 is basically the Confederate perspective. At the end of each chapter is a round-up of pertinent facts and figures to support the analysis.
Using official reports, memoirs, and letters, the Battle of South Mountain receives critical terrain analysis to match written recaps with particular features. All of this comes down to timing out the movements, especially of Gen. Hood’s two brigades.
Interesting tidbit about brigade frontages when deployed in two ranks: reduce the number of troops by 15% to account for officers and others not on the main battleline and that’s the number of feet across. Technically, the calculation is half the number in each rank and two feet of space per soldier. So, a 1,000 man brigade would have 850 men deployed in two 425-man ranks and 425 x 2=850 feet across (p40).
Another rule of thumb tidbit: Six cannon produce as much firepower as 1,000 men (p53).
The book contains 34 black and white photos, 41 black and white maps, and four black and white illustrations. The maps often superimpose individual regiments atop the terrain features and thankfully are paired with the appropriate section of the text.
Part of this is to examine and correct previous narratives about the battle. Admittedly, other than playing the SPI wargame decades ago, I have not read much about this particular battle. I did appreciate the exception detail. Makes me want to encourage my ACW gamers to pop a scenario on the tabletop.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
