Rebel Yell

From the author of the prizewinning New York Times bestseller “Empire of the Summer Moon” comes a thrilling account of how Civil War general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson became a great and tragic American hero.

Stonewall Jackson has long been a figure of legend and romance. As much as any person in the Confederate pantheon, even Robert E. Lee, he embodies the romantic Southern notion of the virtuous lost cause. Jackson is also considered, without argument, one of our country’s greatest military figures.

His brilliance at the art of war tied Abraham Lincoln and the Union’s high command in knots and threatened the ultimate success of the Union armies. Jackson’s strategic innovations shattered the conventional wisdom of how the war was waged; he was so far ahead of his time that his techniques would be studied generations into the future.

In April 1862 Jackson was merely another Confederate general in an army fighting what seemed to be a losing cause. By June he had engineered perhaps the greatest military campaign in American history and was one of the most famous men in the Western world. He had, moreover, given the Confederate cause what it had recently lacked—hope—and struck fear into the hearts of the Union.

Rebel Yell traces Jackson’s brilliant twenty-four-month career in the Civil War, the period that encompasses his rise from obscurity to fame and legend; his stunning effect on the course of the war itself; and his tragic death, which caused both North and South to grieve the loss of a remarkable American hero.

The great and complicated political reasons for secession, thundered about in Congress and in the state legislatures, were not their reasons, which were more like those expressed by a captive Confederate soldier, who was not a slaveholder, to his puzzled Union captors. “I’m fighting because you’re down here.”

Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson is a captivating account of one of the most enigmatic figures in American military history. Written by S.C. Gwynne, this biography delves deep into the life of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and offers an insightful perspective on his unique character, military prowess, and the tumultuous era in which he lived.

Gwynne skillfully portrays Jackson as a complex and elusive individual, exploring his upbringing, his steadfast faith, and his uncompromising dedication to duty. The author’s meticulous research is evident, as he brings Jackson to life through vivid anecdotes and rich historical detail.

Moreover, Gwynne doesn’t shy away from depicting Jackson’s flaws and controversial aspects of his life, such as his participation in the institution of slavery. By presenting a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the man and his actions, the author encourages readers to form their own judgments about Jackson’s legacy.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Gwynne’s ability to skillfully interweave military history with personal narratives, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges Jackson faced and the strategies he employed on well-known battlefields, such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, Second Bull Run. The author’s engaging storytelling style keeps the reader engrossed throughout, making “Rebel Yell” a page-turner from start to finish.

While Gwynne’s admiration for Jackson is evident, he avoids glorifying or romanticizing the Confederate cause. Instead, he presents a nuanced exploration of the complexities of the Civil War and its impact on Jackson’s life and beliefs.

In conclusion, Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking biography that offers a comprehensive portrait of a remarkable and controversial figure from American history. Whether you are a Civil War enthusiast or simply interested in understanding the complexities of human nature, this book is sure to captivate and enlighten.