Synopses & Reviews
Irish participation in the Confederate forces has received considerably less attention than that of the Union. This detailed study examines Irish troops in the Confederacy, their attitude toward pro-Union Irishmen, and offers some informed speculation on the influence of Irish tradition and history on their battlefield actions.
Synopsis
Clear the Confederate Way! is the story of the Southern Irish who fought under Robert E. Lee. While most readers know about the Federal Irish Brigade, few appreciate the extent of the Irish contribution to the Southern war effort. More than a battle narrative, this ground-breaking book is a comprehensive exploration of the substantial Irish contribution to the Southern cause -- in battle, in Southern society, and in Confederate political circles. This well-written and exhaustively researched study. It is sure to interest both Civil War enthusiasts and many of today's forty million Irish Americans, especially at a time when public fascination with Irish culture and history grips the nation.
About the Author
Kelly J. O'Grady has penned numerous book reviews and articles on a variety of historical topics. Clear the Confederate Way! The Irish in the Army of Northern Virginia is his first full-length effort. He makes his living as a historian in Fredericksburg, Virginia.