Field Armies and Fortifications in the Civil War

“One of the most significant historiographical debates among currently practicing Civil War military historians. . . . A valuable contribution.” — The North Carolina Historical Review

“This groundbreaking book should inspire other historians to take on similar difficult but important topics. . . . When completed, [this] remarkable study will be as original, as sophisticated, as significant, and as welcome as any Civil War military history yet published.” — The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

“Recommended to anyone interested in the creation, use, and effectiveness of Civil War field fortifications.” — On Point

“A visit to one of the sites covered in the work will profit from Hess' description of the terrain and the armies' fortifications.” — Civil War News

“This valuable study deserves to be read and digested by military students at all levels and will likely prove to be an important reference work for some time to come.” — North & South

“[Field Armies and Fortifications in the Civil War: the Eastern Campaigns, 1861-1864] belongs on the 'must read' list. . . . Wisely focused, widely researched and well written.” — America’s Civil War

“Hess has produced an admirable, insightful, and important study that fills a critical gap in understanding the conduct of military operations during the war. It will likely whet the appetite of many scholars and buffs as they await the future volumes.” — Annals of Iowa

“Field Armies and Fortifications of the Civil War will find favor with those students of the war who want to look past the traditional accounts of battles for a fresh look at an aspect of the war that has been underreported until now. This book is also essential for anyone preparing an in-depth study of any of these eastern battles. It is worth reading.” — Military History of the West

“A very readable, intelligent history of the Civil War in the east with emphases on fortifications.” — TOCWOC: A Civil War Blog

“Field fortifications played a major role in the American Civil War, evolving from a widely despised expedient to a universally recognized necessity. It is a cause for astonishment that no one has attempted a scholarly look at that burgeoning military development — until now. Field Armies and Fortifications, by Earl J. Hess, ably takes on the important topic and makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the war.” — Robert K. Krick, author of Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain and The Smoothbore Volley That Doomed the Confederacy