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Book Review of Sherman and the Burning of Columbia

Sherman and the Burning of Columbia
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2706 more book reviews


It is always nice to read a book which debunks commonly held beliefs. It's one reason I support revisionist history. And if ever a period in our history needs revisionist history, it is the Civil War. Over the last couple of decades, numerous revisionist histories by respected historians have challenged what was once thought fact. And this applies to both sides in that war.

It is especially nice when a native South Carolinian, and a graduate of the University of South Carolina takes a good look at the myth of Sherman's army deliberately destroying Columbia, South Carolina, and proves the burning of Columbia was not deliberate. Instead, it was the result of poor decisions by leaders on both sides and a strong wind which blew throughout the night.

And the folks at the University of South Carolina Press must agree with him, at least to some degree, as they published his book.