BLOOD AND TREASURE
by Donald S. Frazier
(Texas A&M University Military History Series, No 41)
Product Details
• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press (February 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890967326
• ISBN-13: 978-0890967324
Reviewed by James W. Durney
We
do not have enough books on the American Civil War in the far west. The
battles of Val Verde, Glorieta Pass and Peralta are not familiar
names to most of us. We cannot name the commanders or detail the
fighting. That has always been the case and I do not think it
will be changing soon.
Finding Donald S. Frazier has been a major event for me.
First, I am a sucker for small campaign and small battle books.
Second, I want to learn more about the issues, fighting and personalities involved with the war in the southwest.
Lastly, I always like finding a good readable author of Civil War History.
Mr. Frazier is a professor of history and the author of a number
of articles on the history of the southwest. His books are well
researched, correctly footnoted, informative and easy to read.
"Blood
& Treasure" is a campaign study of the 1862 Confederate attempt to
conquer what is now New Mexico & Arizona. The United States had
stripped the area, leaving things open to a CSA incursion and
Indian raids. This is a detailed study of the development of the
plans, the campaign and the aftermath. Throughout, the author
maintains the right level of detail and readability. We never are
bogged down in mind numbing details but we do not lose sight of the
people involved. Small campaigns and battle turn on people. The author
never loses sight of this and keeps several individual's
experiences in the forefront.
This excellent campaign study covers internal politics, relationships
between the Whites and Mexicans and problems of equipping and supplying
armies over long distances. The battles presented in "real time" and
detailed. We understand the issues and easily grasp the tactical
situations. Maps are sufficient but not generous.
This book
won The Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá Award— for
an outstanding publication by an individual from the Historical
Society of New Mexico.
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