An enjoyable read that makes a thought-provoking argument. [An] even-handed look at Bragg's military career [that] will be useful reading for anyone interested in Civil War history, particularly the western theater." - The Civil War Monitor "Fleshes out [the] real Braxton Bragg. [A] magnificent new study. Exhaustively researched and trenchantly reasoned." - Ted Savas, Civil War News "A significant addition to our understanding of the Civil War. Any scholar of the war should consider it mandatory reading." - The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society "Deeply researched and fair-minded.

" - News & Observer "A thoughtful reexamination of a man who has become, unfortunately and unfairly, the South's 'chief whipping boy'. [A] sharp-eyed profile of the general's dour personality and snakebit career [that] will bring much-needed perspective to future studies of the Confederacy." - Russell S. Bonds, The Wall Street Journal "Hess is a prolific author on many Civil War subjects with a well-earned reputation for shedding new light on long accepted theses. Bragg could not have asked for a more thoughtful, careful, and scrupulously honest evaluator. Hess writes with an easy grace born of erudite scholarship and years in the classroom challenging fresh eyes to look upon old stories and interpret them in new ways." - Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia "Hess is a first class historian. Among the best in current Civil War writing.

" - Journal of America's Military Past "This important study successfully challenges the many stale caricatures of Bragg that remain deeply ingrained in the Civil War literature." - Civil War Books and Authors "Well-documented, Hess's examination of Bragg is balanced and fair and will interest all Civil War aficionados." - Library Journal "An excellent synthesis that delves into Bragg's decisions and relationships as a general combined with the usual superb writing we have grown accustomed to from Hess. A first-rate analysis of Braxton Bragg and a superb piece of Civil War history." - Army History "Hess's extensive knowledge of the Civil War and military history and his excellent and exhaustive ability to research his chosen topic shine through." - Tennessee Libraries.