Master of War

The Life of General George H. Thomas

By: Benson Bobrick

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

In this revelatory, dynamic biography, Benson Bobrick, profiles George H. Thomas, arguing that he was the greatest and most successful general of the Civil War. Because Thomas didn't live to write his memoirs, his reputation has been largely shaped by others, most notably Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman, two generals with whom Thomas served and who diminished his successes in their favor in their own memoirs.

Born in Virginia, Thomas survived Nat Turner's rebellion as a boy, then studied at West Point, where Sherman was a classmate. Thomas distinguished himself in the Mexican War and then returned to West Point as an instructor. When the Civil War broke out, Thomas remained loyal to the Union, unlike fellow Virginia-born officer Robert E. Lee (among others). He compiled an outstanding record as an officer in battles at Mill Springs, Perryville, and Stones River. At the Battle of Chickamauga, Thomas, at the time a corps commander, held the center of the Union line under a ferocious assault, then rallied the troops on Horseshoe Ridge to prevent a Confederate rout of the Union army. His extraordinary performance there earned him the nickname "The Rock of Chickamauga."Promoted to command of the Army of the Cumberland, he led his army in a stunning Union victory at the Battle of Chattanooga. Thomas supported Sherman on his march through Georgia in the spring of 1864, winning an important victory at the Battle of Peachtree Creek. As Sherman continued on his March to the Sea, Thomas returned to Tennessee and in the battle of Nashville destroyed the army of Confederate general John Bell Hood. It was one of the most decisive victories of the war, and Thomas won it even as Grant was on his way to remove Thomas from his command.

©2009 Bobrick Benson (P)2009 Tantor

if you are a civilwar buff get it!!

in this book you will meet a man that if i could measure up to just 10% of his character i would be happy...be prepared to find out with documentation just how shallow and incompetant sherman and grant were....not taking grant off a fifty dollar bill will be an injustice.

Well Done

Accurate and detailed account of one of our country's best, albeit unsung, military leaders. Add a star if you are a civil war buff or military strategist, helpful to know Civil War generals before reading. Entertaining listen as if you were there, one that meshes human nature and politics within the career military, something that is still prevalent today.

The story of a soldier with undeniable integrity and mastery of the art of war.

George Thomas was a brilliant, honest and tenacious military leader. This book does it’s very best to defend and explain the considerable determination and proficiency General Thomas brought to his duties and the success of his actions and his dedication. Very well done. A singular hero of mine and a stalwart man who served his nation faithfully until his final day.

Brilliance, Integrity, Ability

I was impressed with Bobrick’s use of primary documents to display General Thomas’ brilliance as a strategist, tactician, and his ability to alter his battle plans when necessary. Bobrick also made a believable case indicating how Grant, Sherman, and Schofield denigrated Thomas in order to enhance their own reputations.

Thomas had much working against him. He was a Virginian. Lincoln and others did not trust Thomas because he was from Virginia. Thomas’ family disowned him because he honored his oath to defend the U. S.

There is also the implication that both Grant and Sherman were intimidated by Thomas’ ability.

So…when will Virginia honor Thomas? Perhaps a statue in the surrounding lawn of the State Capitol; or maybe in place of the former Lee statue on Monument Avenue. This might give the death knell to remnants of “the Lost Cause” still prevalent in Virginia.

George Thomas being compared to George Washington is fitting

A gentleman from Virginia who chooses to stay loyal to the union . This book is so good. This man is the goat