Storming Vicksburg

“Storming Vicksburg is a masterpiece from an exceptional historian.”—North Carolina Historical Review

“Exceptional. . . . [T]horoughly researched and provide[s] detailed and compelling accounts of the battles of May 19 and 22 from the perspectives of both the high commands and the men at the proverbial tip of the spear.”—Journal of Southern History

“Storming Vicksburg is based upon a large and richly diverse collection of primary and secondary sources. This mountain of material is skillfully incorporated into a comprehensive narrative account of the fighting, one that assesses the full breadth of command decisions and vividly records battlefield experiences of all ranks on both sides.”—Civil War Books and Authors

“There is much to admire. . . . All in all, this is a fine work.”—Emerging Civil War

“[Hess], author of Civil War Logistics, Civil War Field Artillery, and many other valuable works, gives a thought-provoking, insightful look at U.S. Grant’s two unsuccessful attempts to storm Vicksburg before settling down for a protracted siege. . . . An excellent book.”—NYMAS Review

“Has deservedly reached the apex of Vicksburg scholarship to date and does justice to its author’s historical acumen. Highly recommended for all U.S. Middle Period and Civil War historians and biographers, together with students of military command and field strategy.”—Library Journal

“Storming Vicksburg is a strong analysis of the battles and legacy on Grant’s failed attack against Pemberton’s fortifications. Focused primarily on May 18–May 23, 1863, Hess’ detailed examination is a welcome addition to the Vicksburg literature. This tactical analysis highlights how even a small engagement can highlight the importance of leadership, environment, tactics, and Civil War memory.”—H-War

“Storming Vicksburg tells the story of the most decisive struggle of the Civil War in vast detail and a splendid sweep of analysis.” —Steven E. Woodworth, author of The Great Struggle: America’s Civil War

“Earl Hess is one of the finest analysts of Civil War operations now at work. Historians have long tended to treat Grant’s assaults against Vicksburg on May 19 and May 22 merely as a prelude to the lengthy siege that ensued. In this fascinating book, Hess demonstrates that the attacks deserve close attention in their own right and offers a measured reappraisal of both Grant and his Confederate counterpart, John C. Pemberton.” —Mark Grimsley, author of The Hard Hand of War: Union Military Policy Toward Southern Civilians, 1861-1865