Great read on the valley campaign of 1862. Gives a quality analysis of the Confederate action and fairly evaluates Jackson and his subordinates. Jackson's early victories are certainly due more to luck than skill.
As i start the first of the 1862 valley battles this read has been particularly helpful in prepping for Kernstown. Jackson issues confusing orders, his subordinates are not experienced enough to manage the assault, and it is amazing that the Confederates don't come away more mauled than they did.
The book does a great job of highlighting the vital role the Valley campaign played in shaping the course of the war in the east during the spring of 1862. It also helps show Jackson's development into a military commander. Poor at first but a market improvement.
Tanners book was a great resource for getting a confederate perspective. I only wish there were more OOBs, but given that even the Confederate brigade commanders reports on strength are spotty and this due to loss of troops to fatigue or desertion, it can be overlooked.
The biggest concept I take away from this book is that Jackson lost more men from marching than from battles (these are no return men), and this casualty percentage matched those of R. E. Lee during the seven days battles. Good thing for Jackson he didn't face a more capable Federal commander in 1862 or he would have gone down as an eccentric but unsuccessful Confederate leader.
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