Synopses & Reviews
"A highly readable, comprehensive, and thoughtfully written examination of a pivotal moment in our greatest national tragedy."--Civil War Book Review
For two weeks in 1861,Washington, D.C., was locked in a state of panic. Would the newly formed Confederate States of America launch its first attack on the Union by capturing the nation's capital? Wedged between Virginia and Maryland--two states bordering on secession--the city was isolated; its communications lines were cut, its rail lines blocked. A recently inaugurated Lincoln struggled to form a plan--defense or attack?
David Detzer pulls the drama from this pivotal moment in American history straight from the pages of diaries, letters, and newspapers, beautifully capturing the tense, miasmic atmosphere of these first chaotic days of war.
"Like a big-budget Hollywood movie director, Detzer works with a large cast of leading and featured characters. Like a 19th-century novelist, he relies on memorable physical description to help readers keep the actors and action straight."--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"The conclusion of Detzer's popular trilogy on the first hundred days of the Civil War finds the Union gripped by fear that the Confederacy will capture Washington and end the war almost before it has started."--The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
David Detzer is professor emeritus of history at Western Connecticut State University. He is the author of Donnybrook; Allegiance; The Brink: Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962; and Thunder of the Captains, about the Korean War. He lives in Connecticut.
Review
"Fast-paced popular history. Detzer has written an engaging and comprehensive account of the early days of the Civil War."
Publishers Weekly
Review
PRAISE FOR DISSONANCE"Clear, enthralling, multifaceted history."THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTEPRAISE FOR DONNYBROOK"A highly readable, comprehensive, and thoughtfully written examination of a pivotal moment in our greatest national tragedy."CIVIL WAR BOOK REVIEW
Synopsis
For two weeks in 1861, Washington, D.C., was locked in a state of panic. Would the newly formed Confederate States of America launch its first attack on the Union by capturing the nations capital? Would Lincolns Union fall before it had a chance to fight?Wedged between Virginia and Marylandtwo states bordering on secessionWashington was isolated; its communications lines were cut, its rail lines blocked. Newly recruited volunteers were too few and were unable to enter the city. A recently inaugurated Lincoln struggled to form a plandefense or attack?
In this final chapter of his trilogy on the Civil War, David Detzer pulls the drama from this pivotal moment in American history straight from the pages of diaries, letters, and newspapers. With an eye for detail and an ear for the voices of average citizens, he beautifully captures the tense, miasmic atmosphere of these first chaotic days of war.
Synopsis
Praise for Donnybrook "This is history as it should be written." --The Seattle Times
"Detzer establishes himself as the premier historian of the war's first months. [Donnybrook] is an elegantly written book that engages from first word to last....first-rate history presented with great literary merit." -- America's Civil War Praise for Allegiance "Allegiance is a splendid story of people, ordinary and extraordinary, living through extraordinary experiences. His main focus is on the soldiers and civilians in Charleston and its harbor.... Their story has never before been told so well." -- James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom
"Allegiance should take a place as the definitive word on the first moments of our greatest national tragedy." -- William C. Davis, author of Look Away! and An Honorable Defeat
"David Detzer is making a distinguished reputation in Civil War history writing about great openings."
-John C. Waugh, author of The Class of 1846
About the Author
David Detzer is professor emeritus of history with Connecticut State University. He is the author of several books, including Allegiance: Fort Sumter, Charleston, and the Beginning of the Civil War; and The Brink: Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and several dogs.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface ix
Introduction xiii
Timeline xvii
Chapter one
City of Magnificent Intentions 1
Chapter two
The Firebrand 28
Chapter three
Cliffhanger 52
Chapter four
ten-HUT! 66
Chapter five
The Sixth Massachusetts 80
Chapter six
Mobtown 90
Chapter seven
Patriotic Gore 104
Chapter eight
Malice and Compassion 125
Chapter nine
Controlling a Maelstrom 143
Chapter ten
The Yard 167