Books: April 2009 Archives

Many of you have asked about the status of my upcoming book on the Louisiana Tigers in the Gettysburg Campaign. LSU Press sent me word that the book is now at the typesetter and I should expect galley proofs about June 3-4. I will proof the text and layout, and then I will index the book. Everything is due back to the publisher by June 24 for their final approval. Assuming there are no changes, the book should be then added to the schedule for their printer. It will be published on archival quality, library compliant permanent book paper manufactured by P.H. Glatfelter's paper mill in Chillicothe, Ohio. The book is expected to ship in early October to those who have pre-ordered it.

I have a series of talks and book signings being arranged for the autumn and winter, including several Civil War Round Tables and various historical societies in this area. I am also working on a swing through Louisiana for several personal appearances.

I am thankful for my friend Rhode Island historian and author Brent Nosworthy, who has used me as a reference and proofreader for some of his past works. He was kind enough to return the favor by writing the foreword to this new book.

Pre-orders are being accepted at amazon.com.

amazon.com is now taking pre-orders from the upcoming October 2009 publication of my latest book, The Louisiana Tigers in the Gettysburg Campaign, June-July 1863. This book contains perhaps the most detailed account written yet of the Tigers' smashing assault that doomed the Union defenses at the Second Battle of Winchester, and, of course, as one would expect from my books, there are a lot of human interest stories scattered throughout the narrative. Included are several brand new stories from here in York County, as the Tigers paid their respects to York merchants and to Spring Garden Township and Manchester Township residents. The book covers the Tigers two attacks at Gettysburg (July 1 and July 2), and the subsequent retreat into Virginia.

To place an order, or to read more about this book, please visit amazon's webpage.

Tim Smith of the Adams County Historical Society and his friend author Bill Frassanito of Gettysburg pointed out a couple of suggested changes to the driving tour of Route 30 to New Oxford.

1. The railroad tracks at Swift Run are post-war, and the site of the cow-train accident was to the south of the current RR crossing across Route 30

2. I should have clarified to the reader that the train station in New Oxford that has the plaque for the 26th PVM is post-war; another station existed in 1863. I had been told that by a local historian, but the text does not indicate it's post-war.

Thanks Tim and Bill.

Because I cannot yet drive following my recent surgery to reattach a retina in my eye, my daughter drove me to the York Fairgrounds yesterday for my scheduled book signing and local TV interview at the York Book & Paper Fair. We sold a reasonable amount of books and, most importantly, I got to spend time with her.

The mix of dealers was quite interesting, with a smattering of Civil War related material being offered at a few tables, including old newspapers, art prints, and photographs. Besides collectible and vintage book dealers, the show also had comic book dealers, postcards, vinyl records, movie and political collectibles, posters, advertising pieces, and all sorts of other paper memorabilia. Because my daughter and I both work for a leading global paper company, the show took on even more interest. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home, so there are no pix to share of this event.

My hat's off to Pam and Jim Lewin of the York Emporium for organizing and promoting this show, and I really, really look forward to the autumn rendition of the Book & Paper Fair when I will more time and better eyesight to peruse the vendor's wares and perhaps stay for the auction.

Thanks Jim for a job well done, and here's to your next effort!

Photo provided by Channel 16 and the York Emporium. Local TV personality Greg Johnson interviews me about my books and my interest in the Civil War.