Reckless Bravery

The Life and Career of John Bell Hood

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Scott Clem

The history of war is replete with examples of men who distinguished themselves in battle only to disgrace themselves after being promoted to commands above their capabilities. During the American Civil War, that man was John Bell Hood. Hood was one of the most tenacious generals in the Confederacy, for better and worse. This quality, which made him one of the best brigade and division commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia also made him ineffective when he was promoted to higher commands, forever marring his career at Atlanta and Franklin.

The intimidating Texan began to make a name for himself as a brigade commander in the Army of Northern Virginia under new commander Robert E. Lee during the Seven Days Battles in 1862, after which he was promoted to division command. For the next several campaigns, he led a division under General James Longstreet's I Corps., fighting at places like Antietam and Fredericksburg. Hood was in the thick of the action on day two at Gettysburg, suffering a bad wound that left his left arm permanently disabled. When Longstreet's command headed west, Hood suffered another wound at Chickamauga, leading to the amputation of his right leg.

©2013 Charles River Editors (P)2017 Charles River Editors

More of an overview of the Civil War than a Bio

I thought I was purchasing a bio on John Bell Hood, it's not, just a more general overview of the Civil War. There are a few direct mentions of JBH but 95% of it is just Civil War history. I found it to be "reckless" to use that title!