Thomas B. Van Horne, History of the Army of the Cumberland, 1st edition in Publisher’s Presentation Binding

Description

Thomas Van Horne’s History of the Army of the Cumberland is an account of General George H. Thomas’ army that comes as close to autobiographical testimony as we will ever get from that commander. Thomas’ early death (1870), and the absence of any major collection of private letters, leaves Van Horne’s work as the best source for Thomas’ point of view on the battles he fought.

The survivors of Thomas’ army idolized their old commander and defended his reputation vigorously for the rest of their days. Van Horne’s three-volume history provided the core account for their defenses. They pointed to it every time they discussed their battles from Shiloh to Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and many other fields.

The Atlas, which serves as volume 3 of the work, was prepared by Edward Ruger, Thomas’ Superintendent Topographical Engineer during the war. Author Van Horne was himself a member of Thomas’ staff and notes that he prepared the book at Thomas’ request and had the general’s cooperation in research.

These volumes (vol. 1 & 2) are bound in the very scarce leather Publishers Presentation Binding with some minor but expert repair work done at the headbands and footbands. Volumes 1 & 2 very lightly cocked; lightly rubbed; minimal shelf wear of extremities; significant dark stains on all end pages.

Atlas is lightly sunned and rubbed; otherwise all volumes are very good, bright and beautiful.

Van Horne, Thomas B. HISTORY OF THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. ITS ORGANIZATION, CAMPAIGNS, AND BATTLES. WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS, CHIEFLY FROM HIS PRIVATE MILITARY JOURNAL AND OFFICIAL AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FURNISHED BY HIM. Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co., 1875. 1st edition, 3 volumes (with atlas), maps, Publisher’s Presentation Binding.