This is really an outstanding book, a great biography of one of the most important people in American history. I didn't start reading the book with that mindset, but I think McDonough makes a pretty effective case for it being true, given his contributions in several stages of the Civil War. McDonough weaves an enjoyable narrative, doesn't go off on tangents, provides important details but doesn't get bogged down in minutiae. I was looking for a book to read over a one-week vacation and this turned out to be it, and a good choice it was.
Some features of Sherman's life that stand out, from McDonough's telling: Sherman's often troubled marriage life. He and his wife were often in conflict about Sherman's occupation, where the family would live, and religion. His wife was a devout Roman Catholic while Sherman was hostile to religion. His wife and her family wished for Sherman to live in Ohio to be near them and to choose an occupation outside of the military.
Sherman's career arc before the Civil War reminded me a lot of U.S. Grant's, to whom Sherman would become close during the Civil War while serving under Grant. Sherman's pre-war years were more successful in California and Louisiana where he pursued banking and educational leadership roles. But the country's economic woes and the strife that would lead to the Civil War interrupted these pursuits. But Sherman much preferred military life to any occupation outside of it, so the coming of the war would suit Sherman just fine, at least eventually.
As might be expected, McDonough's telling of Sherman's march to the sea, his capture of Atlanta, and his sweep through the Carolinas make for the book's most riveting section, and reinforce the conclusion that Sherman played a critical role in the war and ultimately in the country's destiny.
Interestingly, Sherman was not initially impressed with Abraham Lincoln and throughout the war found many occasions to criticize, even if in private, the Commander in Chief's actions. Nor was Sherman enthused of using the former slaves in combat roles, although he did employ African Americans in supporting roles. In this way, he differed from Grant, who used African Americans as soldiers. Sherman was partially sympathetic to the South, as he spent time in Alabama, South Carolina, and Louisiana before the war. So one paradox of his life is the ruthlessness with which Sherman conducted the war throughout the South, and for the harsh "hard war" methods he was criticized for employing. But after the war, Sherman again supported the South and was not enthused about Reconstruction, or the Radical Republicans behind Grant who wanted to ensure greater protections for African Americans in the former Confederacy.
Sherman lived for more than 20 years after the Civil War's end, ultimately retiring to New York City, although he loved California and preferred St. Louis where he lived for some time. His greatest disappointment was seeing his eldest remaining son choose the Roman Catholic priesthood. Sherman was active on the speaking circuit after the war in which his oral abilities were much remarked upon. Not surprisingly, Sherman was also much sought after to run for public office, particularly the Presidency, of which Sherman himself had no use or much interest. Although he formed a great partnership with Grant during the war, they did not have much interaction or much of a relationship in the years after the war, beyond Sherman's responsibilities as General in Chief. Sherman did not care for Washington, D.C. or politicians generally.
I have other books about Sherman but this the only one I've read all the way through, and if you're interested in Sherman's life, it's the only one you'll need. At the least, "In the Service of My Country" should be considered the starting point for assessing William Tecumseh Sherman's life and military career.
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Masterful work. Compelling Narrative Style.
First, I will praise the author of an extremely well researched yet astoundingly gripping cradle to grave biography of William T. Sherman. Sherman is almost completely forgotten in the modern era - most have only ever heard the name in relation to the Sherman tanks. Yet, he was the only major Union general to actually free slaves with his own hands - burning the plantations of Georgia in disgust of what he saw as the the great 'hypocrisy' of a southern aristocracy. Touting arguments of personal liberty and property rights - while using those arguments to defend the slavery of human beings. Indeed, for these reasons more than any other, Sherman made Georgia howl.William T. Sherman is in a category of great men that is seemingly peculiar to western civilization. Going back even to it's foundation in the city states of Greece. Men who are at certain times in their lives touted as being literally insane - as in the case of Sherman. Men who sometimes use brash language and make seemingly bombastic & uncouth statements - as in the case of George S. Patton. Yet these generals have had the most care for their soldiers and suffered the lowest count of casualties in their particular conflicts.This book sheds a bright light on the life of one of the great figures produced by America. Sherman deserves more of our attention. Highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in American / Civil war history or really just history in general. As with most well researched biographies, at least some basic knowledge of the time period is helpful - as to not get lost the the torrent of unfamiliar names / places.
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Peter
Excellent service and product
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2023
