Fields of Blood

“Characterized by deep research, clear organization, shrewd analysis, and engaging writing, William L. Shea’s Fields of Blood should be regarded as the new standard history of the Prairie Grove Campaign. A weighty contribution to the literature of the Trans-Mississippi theater, it is deserving of a place on the bookshelf of every Civil War student. Very highly recommended.” — Andrew Wagenhoffer, Civil War Books and Authors

“A great read and . . . very informative about a lesser-known battle that had major consequences.” — The Oklahoman

“If further proof were needed of William L. Shea’s mastery of the Civil War campaign history, this is it. . . . He has attained even loftier heights with a thoughtful and meticulous account of Prairie Grove.” — Civil War Book Review

“A first rate history of this remote part of the Civil War.” — Blue & Gray Magazine

“Combined with excellent maps, Shea’s description of the operational maneuvers and his detailing of the tactical actions are masterful. . . . A superb account of a signature campaign of the theater.” — Journal of Military History

“Shea brings to his work a great deal of familiarity with the campaign . . . enjoyable and insightful. . . . Will stand as the standard account of the Prairie Grove campaign, which, thanks to Shea, no longer resides in underserved obscurity.” — Arkansas Historical Quarterly

“Thoroughly researched and engagingly written. . . . Shea’s ability to illuminate the interconnections among strategy, logistics, and geography is especially noteworthy. . . . An excellent study of an important but often overlooked campaign.” — Annals of Iowa

“Anyone interested in Civil War military operations should read this book.” — The Journal of America’s Military Past

“With an exhaustive array of archival materials, insightful analysis, and good writing. . . . Fields of Blood provides readers with a concise, illuminating look at a forgotten fight. . . . A model campaign study which draws on as many of the scarce resources available to make sense of what today is still a very confusing battle. . . . Students of the Trans-Missippi and those who enjoy solidly constructed and easy to read campaign studies will want to own this book. Those who enjoyed Shea’s earlier work on Pea Ridge will doubtless appreciate this effort equally.” — TOCWOC: A Civil War Blog

“Shea cogently unravels the campaign he calls one of the war’s 'best — kept secrets.'” — Military History of the West