Stubborn Men and Parched Corn by BGen Jerry C. McAbee, USMC (ret).

This is the best book I’ve read about the “Civil War.” I use quotes because this book is not about the Civil War, the south, or the Confederacy. This is a story about men. Stubborn, dutiful, and committed.

BGen McAbee’s service as a Marine is transparent throughout the book. Only someone who has served and suffered through combat can write with the authenticity and freedom about the subject that this book exhibits. The book engrosses the reader into the realities of the common soldier, shares the pain and hardship of battle and men at war, and accurately depicts the indescribable pain leaders agonize over when they lose that which they love the most - their men.

BGen McAbee writes in a way that makes you believe he was there. A descendant of a veteran of the 18th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a part of him was. His research is extensive, thorough and exhaustive. The list of references in his endnotes and bibliography are an independent reading in itself. His ability to harmoniously weave in first-hand quotes throughout makes the reader feel like they are hearing the stories directly from the veterans of this regiment while sharing a cocktail and talking at the local VFW. Through his work, we are honored to get to know these stubborn men. It is real. And the experiences come alive on every turned page.

BGen McAbee’s ability to seamlessly and brilliantly move up and down through the levels of warfare (strategic, operational, tactical) are without compare. He helps the reader understand the campaigns, the leadership, and the decisions for both the Union forces and the Army of Northern Virginia like no other work I’ve read. This is a masterful work and must read for all serious military historians and aficionados. But even more so for the professional military service member. 

“Stubborn Men and Parched Corn” should be on the required reading list for all the services and schools educating mid-grade and senior officers. The lessons are innumerable and applicable to any modern conflict or campaign.