Review by Choice Review
Nolan's book might have been a significant contribution to Civil War literature and a needed corrective to distortion and partisanship. The author pursues the premise that Benjamin F. Butler the infamous "Beast" Butler of southern legend was the victim of propaganda and innuendo that colors historiography to this day. This might have led to a penetrating reappraisal of Butler. Instead, Nolan follows the thought that excess in one direction is brought back into balance by equal excess in the opposite direction. In place of a corrupt and incompetent Butler, readers are given the finest soldier of the Civil War, a moral giant brought down by petty, little men. This portrayal is more regrettable since the book has many of the virtues of good popular history. It is well written, and offers an entertaining and absorbing story.-R. D. Ward, emeritus, Georgia Southern University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
A full-scale biography of one of the most notorious Union figures of the Civil War--Benjamin Butler, a political general hated by the Confederacy. The author does not entirely rehabilitate the reputation of Butler as a field commander--a role for which his aptitude was limited--but he does make a case for his abilities in other areas. Butler was a strong supporter of abolition well before it became respectable, a gifted military administrator (of New Orleans, among other places), and a successful politician after the war. Recommended for larger military and most Civil War collections. ~--Roland Green
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
