THE U.S.ARMY WAR COLLEGE GUIDE TO THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM by Luvaas, Jay & Harold Nelson, editors

Carlisle, 1987 , South Mountain Press, US First edition, hard bound in dust jacket, Fine/Fine condition, 6x9, xv, 310 pages, illus, maps, orders of battle, index. -----------------------------------------------To understand the Battle of Antietam it is necessary to know the background conditions of both armies, the events immediately preceding America's bloodiest day;' and the thought processes of the leaders. As Professor Luvaas points out in his introduction, this book helps "to explain how the battle was fought" and "why leaders on both sides acted as they did."The method here is similar to that used in the Gettysburg volume where the first-hand "after-action" reports coupled with maps and photos tell the story. One striking difference here, however, is geographic. The Maryland Campaign of which Antietam was the final event takes us through the operations of the opposing armies as they meet at the Battle of South Mountain. We follow the action through such places as Fox's, Turner's and Crampton's Gaps to Harpers Ferry across Boteler's Ford and on to Sharpsburg and the climax of the fateful days 4 September through t9 September 1862.This fortnight, the Maryland Campaign of 1862, was one of the most critical moments in American history. For the South this was their last chance to prove themselves militarily in hopes of encouraging Great Britain to become allied to their cause. For the U.S. military they struggled with the problems of organization brought on by rapid mobilization after years of calm.This guide differs from Gettysburg in yet another way. Much of the ground is outside of state and national battlefield parks and is sparsely marked, if at all. Here, the simplified topographic maps and travel instructions contained in this guide become indispensible.