Few historians have examined what happened to the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac during the critical months following Gettysburg, when both armies assumed the offensive in a pair of fascinating campaigns of thrust and counter-thrust. This careful study breaks down these campaigns (and all related operational maneuvers) into 13 map sets or "action-sections" enriched with 87 original full-page color maps. These spectacular cartographic creations bore down to the regimental and battery level. Read more. 

Major General Joseph Hooker, a pugnacious tactician aptly nicknamed "Fighting Joe," took command of the army. Then a remarkable thing happened: a man known for his hardscrabble battlefield tenacity showed an amazing brilliance for organization and leadership. With Chief of Staff Dan Butterfield working alongside him, Hooker literally rebuilt the army from the bottom up. In addition to instituting vital logistical, ordinance, and administrative reforms, he insisted on proper troop care and rigorous inspections and battle drills. Read more.

The border states affected the course of the American Civil War in ways large and small, but none played a more important role than did Kentucky. Just as the nation was torn asunder, so too was the Bluegrass State, divided between those loyal to the Union, those with allegiances looking South, and others who simply wanted to remain neutral. Tumultuous politics gave way to the boots of marching armies that turned some of the most beautiful landscape in the country into bloody battlefields. Read more.

Brandywine Creek calmly meanders through the Pennsylvania countryside today, but on September 11, 1777, it served as the scenic backdrop for the largest battle of the American Revolution, one that encompassed more troops over more land than any combat fought on American soil until the Civil War. Long overshadowed by the stunning American victory at Saratoga, the complex British campaign that defeated George Washington's colonial army and led to the capture of the capital city of Philadelphia was one of the most important military events of the war. Read more. 

The Maryland Campaign, Vol. II wins for Reprint! 

The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Vol. II: Antietam edited by Thomas Clemens was selected as the 2012 winner of The Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Writing Award for the reprint category. The Army Historical Foundation has an annual awards program to recognize books and articles that have made a distinctive contribution to U.S. Army history.

"It is great to see Ezra Carman's premiere achievement recognized by the Army Historical Foundation; a fine organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of America's military past," said Editor Thomas Clemens. "Carman labored many years to write the most detailed study of the Maryland Campaign ever created.  Having an organization of military historians, veterans and enthusiasts endorse his effort is very gratifying, and of course the efforts by the Savas Beatie staff made it all possible.  It was inspiring, and a bit intimidating, to work on the manuscript with Carman's ghost looking over my shoulder, and a pleasure to work with the people at Savas Beatie." Read the full press release here.

 

Fun facts about Tom Clemens you didn't know:

 

What is the hardest part about writing a manuscript?

Technically I didn't write it, Carman did.  But it is the research part that is difficult.  The time and attention to detail there pays off in the end. It took years to gather, read, sort, and create a database for all the Battlefield Board and Gould papers, but now when I want to find letters from particular people or units, two or three clicks and it is there. 
 

What are you currently working on?

After taking a break to do a lot of speaking engagements at various Civil War Round Tables and seminars, I will put together Volume III with chapters of the battle at Shepherdstown Ford, Halleck, Lincoln and McClellan, the biographical Dictionary and hopefully some of the letters from the various veterans.   

When you're not hard at work, what do you like to do?

Travel, especially to Civil War battlefields, play golf, bicycle, and read.   

What is one thing that you think people would want to know about you that they don't generally know?

I love story poems and can recite Whittier's "Barbara Fritchie" from memory.   

What are a couple fun facts about you? Such as favorite hobby, book, music, etc?

I like classic rock 'n roll and often listen to it while I work. Golf is a great sport; I can wear shorts, ride in a cart, drink beer and still call myself an athlete!

What is your dog's favorite battlefield or battlefield trek?  
 
Bomber loved the Snavely Ford Trail because it follows Antietam Creek and he could jump in and swim at several places. You know Labs and water!

 

 

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