William Tecumseh Sherman

Children's Literature

In 1880, while addressing a group of Civil War veterans and their families, General William Tecumseh Sherman stated, "There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, war is all hell." Throughout much of his life William Tecumseh Sherman, affectionately known as "Cump" by friends and followers, was a professional soldier. During the Civil War Sherman's name became synonymous with a form of "total warfare" that included the widespread destruction of civilian property. Under Sherman's command, Union troops marched across the Confederate hinterland, burning and looting their way to the Atlantic Ocean. In reality, although Sherman had a reputation for this form of destructive war, he was a man who held great sympathy for Southern culture. A kindhearted husband and father of eight children, Sherman was a bright, hyperactive and tireless worker. This complicated and brilliant man is presented here to readers by historian Zachary Kent. A capable and widely published writer, Zachary Kent specializes in Civil War themes. In this well researched and well-written book Kent, once again, offers readers a good study of the Civil War era. At Sherman's death, he was laid to rest beneath the following simple headstone epitaph—"Faithful and Honorable." This illustrated work does justice to this dynamic Civil War leader and will provide younger readers with a wealth of information about a complex man. 2002, Enslow, Romaneck