THE DARKEST DAYS OF THE WAR: THE BATTLES OF IUKA & CORINTH. by Cozzens, Peter - 1997

Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1997. 390 pp, large 8vo (9 1/2" H). B&w photographs, maps/battle plans. "During the late summer of 1862, Confederate forces launched a three-pronged strategic advance into the North in both major theaters of the war. The results of this offensive - the only coordinated Confederate attempt to carry the conflict to the enemy - were disastrous. In the eastern theater, Lee was forced out of Maryland after his defeat at Antietam, and in the West, Bragg waged a dismal campaign and had to retreat from Kentucky. The third prong of the Confederate offensive, the northern Mississippi campaign, culminated in devastating defeats at Iuka and Corinth that ultimately opened the way for Grant's campaign against Vicksburg. Peter Cozzens here presents the first book-length study of the battles of Iuka and Corinth (and) details the tactical aspects of each battle, analyzing troop movements down to the regimental level. In addition to a vivid and detailed battle narrative, Cozzens provides compelling portraits of the campaign's key leaders: Generals Grant, Rosecrans, Van Dorn, and Price. He exposes the consequences of their clashing ambitions and antipathies. Finally, (he) analyzes the larger, strategic implications of the northern Mississippi campaign, exploring the repercussions of the Confederate defeat suffered at Iuka and Corinth." One slight small corner bump, very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine. Dust jacket has very minor edge wrinkling.. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Near Fine.