Reviews

"At long last, here is the definitive biography of George Henry Thomas. . . . An exciting, stirring, splendid achievement."--Emory M. Thomas, author of Robert E. Lee"A superbly crafted 'inside' story of an outstanding American and a true hero in overcoming his life's many political adversities."--Wiley Sword, author of The Confederacy's Last Hurrah"This is Wills at his best. . . . A major contribution to our understanding of Northern victory in the western theater."--Larry J. Daniel, author of The Days of Glory"Will stand as the basic source on the 'Rock of Chickamauga' for years to come."--James I. Robertson, Jr., author of Stonewall Jackson

"Reading Wills' definitive biography of the blue Virginian makes it clear why Thomas is now ranked among the pantheon of Civil War generals."--Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia"George Henry Thomas is not as famous today as other Union army generals such as William T. Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant . . . but with this solid and accessible book, Wills makes a strong case that the so-called Rock of Chickamauga should be. A smooth style and quick pace will make this book attractive to readers interested in Civil War history, while the meticulous research will appeal to academics."--Library Journal"Wills's splendid biography of Major General George H. Thomas is comprehensively researched on a scale that few biographers can match. A Virginian by birth and heritage, At the outbreak of the Civil War, though from a slave-owning family, Thomas elected to honor his oath to serve the US. He proved himself a superb commander and clearly is among the top Union generals, ranking with Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. Thomas's attention to detail and his comprehensive preparation for operations at times gave the impression that he was slow to act. He saved a Union army at Chickamauga in 1863 and destroyed a Confederate army at Nashville in December 1864. Recommended."--Choice