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Book Review of The Battle of Shiloh: A Captivating Guide to the One of the Bloodiest Battles of the American Civil War

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The author of this explanation of the Battle of Shiloh took the time to give some of the more interesting facts about the participants in the fight. We learned what arms each side used; what they wore (awful, hot wool uniforms), and who the main combatants were. The author also explained why Civil War troops lined up in rows and show at each other in standing positions. Of course, as weapons improved, being compressed in close proximity was bad for the soldiers.

The number of photos and maps was wonderful; pictures explain so much. It was surprising to learn how many immigrants were serving on each side of the war. Another great thing about this book is that readers get an almost by-the-moment accounting of the battle. The author also analyzes the errors made by each side.

It is amazing that 80,000 soldiers could fight in an area of only 5.8 square miles. It undoubtedly contributed to the high death count. It is an irony that Shiloh means 'place of peace' in Hebrew.