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They Called Him Stonewall: A Life of Lieutenant General T. J. Jackson, CSA
The New York Times–bestselling biography of the South’s most brilliant and audacious military commander
With the exception of Robert E. Lee, no Confederate general was more feared or admired than Thomas “Stonewall� Jackson. Once derisively known as “Tom Fool,� Jackson was an innovative battlefield strategist who struck terror in the hearts of Union army commanders and inspired Confederate soldiers to victory after victory in the early days of the Civil War.
A fanatically religious man, Jackson prayed at the start and conclusion of every battle—yet showed no mercy when confronting the enemy. Eccentric, enigmatic, and fiercely intelligent, he became the stuff of legend soon after he died from wounds suffered during the Battle of Chancellorsville; his untimely death would help to change the course of the conflict. Based on a wealth of first-person sources, including Jackson’s private papers and correspondences, and the memoirs of family, friends, and colleagues, They Called Him Stonewall is a masterful portrait of the man behind the myth.
With the exception of Robert E. Lee, no Confederate general was more feared or admired than Thomas “Stonewall� Jackson. Once derisively known as “Tom Fool,� Jackson was an innovative battlefield strategist who struck terror in the hearts of Union army commanders and inspired Confederate soldiers to victory after victory in the early days of the Civil War.
A fanatically religious man, Jackson prayed at the start and conclusion of every battle—yet showed no mercy when confronting the enemy. Eccentric, enigmatic, and fiercely intelligent, he became the stuff of legend soon after he died from wounds suffered during the Battle of Chancellorsville; his untimely death would help to change the course of the conflict. Based on a wealth of first-person sources, including Jackson’s private papers and correspondences, and the memoirs of family, friends, and colleagues, They Called Him Stonewall is a masterful portrait of the man behind the myth.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1954
348 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 13, 2013
One of my all time favorite books. Anyone who has ever been interested in Stonewall Jackson should at least start, if not end, with this book. It fairly and evenly deals with both his military prowess as well as those eccentricities which made him a target of ridicule at times. (like his dyspepsia and lemon eating). Whatever people's first impression of him, there's no mistaking that the last impression left by his death was one of universal respect.
November 25, 2020
My family came over to North America, Canada and the USA, at the end of the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th centuries. Consequently, I lack a nativist attitude. In order to get at that sensibility I've found books about the Civil War to be most useful, the Revolution being too remote, the War between the States seeming to retain a living connection to modern society and politics.
I started a serious appreciation of the period with the works of Bruce Catton. An atmospheric writer, his two trilogies and several standalone works serve as an excellent introduction. Since his perspective, while sympathetic to both sides, is basically northern, I've looked for other books representing the southern standpoint. Burke Davis' 'Stonewall' is one such book.
Like Catton, Davis is an atmospheric writer with sympathy for the troops on both sides. He's weaker, however, in representing the plight of the slaves. They're just occasionally in the background, Jackson himself being represented as a beloved slave master. So, too, is most of Jackson's background before the war, the emphasis of this biography being his military career from 1861 until his death, two years later, in the spring of 1863. This is, in essence, a military biography.
Normally I'd find such a book boring, the details of armed engagements being conducive to drowsiness. That this was not the case is owing to the quality of Davis' writing. Having started as a novelist, he knows how to describe a scene and to develop a plot--a considerable accomplishment given the materials he had to work with, materials described in an appendix.
What is outstanding in this study is Jackson's religiosity. What is missing is sufficient explanation as to how this church-going, sabbath-keeping Presbyterian could reconcile what he called "the Gospel" with his war making.
I started a serious appreciation of the period with the works of Bruce Catton. An atmospheric writer, his two trilogies and several standalone works serve as an excellent introduction. Since his perspective, while sympathetic to both sides, is basically northern, I've looked for other books representing the southern standpoint. Burke Davis' 'Stonewall' is one such book.
Like Catton, Davis is an atmospheric writer with sympathy for the troops on both sides. He's weaker, however, in representing the plight of the slaves. They're just occasionally in the background, Jackson himself being represented as a beloved slave master. So, too, is most of Jackson's background before the war, the emphasis of this biography being his military career from 1861 until his death, two years later, in the spring of 1863. This is, in essence, a military biography.
Normally I'd find such a book boring, the details of armed engagements being conducive to drowsiness. That this was not the case is owing to the quality of Davis' writing. Having started as a novelist, he knows how to describe a scene and to develop a plot--a considerable accomplishment given the materials he had to work with, materials described in an appendix.
What is outstanding in this study is Jackson's religiosity. What is missing is sufficient explanation as to how this church-going, sabbath-keeping Presbyterian could reconcile what he called "the Gospel" with his war making.
May 16, 2014
The penultimate biography of one of the Civil War's most famous generals. "Stonewall" was deeply revered by the Confederates and greatly feared by the Federals.
Burke Davis moves back and forth in time with the ease of human memory. He sketches the general with such astonishing detail that it seems as if he must have known him personally.
A highly disciplined, eccentric hypochondriac, Stonewall Jackson led his troops to a dozen early victories on the battlefield.
Davis captures the general's modus operandi, peculiarities of diet and mannerisms, speech and sleep habits in such a curious and entertaining fashion that we can all but smell the gun smoke and sweat on his wrinkled uniform and see the dust in his frazzled beard.
This book should not be overlooked by any serious student of the Civil War.
Burke Davis moves back and forth in time with the ease of human memory. He sketches the general with such astonishing detail that it seems as if he must have known him personally.
A highly disciplined, eccentric hypochondriac, Stonewall Jackson led his troops to a dozen early victories on the battlefield.
Davis captures the general's modus operandi, peculiarities of diet and mannerisms, speech and sleep habits in such a curious and entertaining fashion that we can all but smell the gun smoke and sweat on his wrinkled uniform and see the dust in his frazzled beard.
This book should not be overlooked by any serious student of the Civil War.
May 8, 2014
I loved this book. I love reading about Stonewall. What a great man he was. Great leader. Nevermind what side he fought for, he was a great man. The author does not hide the religious beliefs of Stonewall like other books do. Uses lots of personal letters that really lets the reader into Stonewall's psych and personality.
August 24, 2023
Good book. And very evenly balanced and fair.
Davis does a great job of describing the popularity and love the folks of the South had for Jackson and even respect and fear the North had for him, but also does not shy away from his flaws�. Not sharing plans/information with his staff, sometimes conspicuously late or absent with his army to his orders. Seemingly known for high losses versus the enemy.
But, Jackson’s best quality, as with most successful Civil War Generals, was his decisive manner and push to an aggressive attack. While most Generals floundered in indecision and/or awaiting tactical advantage, Jackson relied on aggressive forward push to put the enemy on their heals. I love reading about these men, seemingly cool in the heat of battle. Grant and Forrest seem to be the same. And those are my favorites.
I liked the book and will definitely read more on Jackson. And more stuff by Davis.
Davis does a great job of describing the popularity and love the folks of the South had for Jackson and even respect and fear the North had for him, but also does not shy away from his flaws�. Not sharing plans/information with his staff, sometimes conspicuously late or absent with his army to his orders. Seemingly known for high losses versus the enemy.
But, Jackson’s best quality, as with most successful Civil War Generals, was his decisive manner and push to an aggressive attack. While most Generals floundered in indecision and/or awaiting tactical advantage, Jackson relied on aggressive forward push to put the enemy on their heals. I love reading about these men, seemingly cool in the heat of battle. Grant and Forrest seem to be the same. And those are my favorites.
I liked the book and will definitely read more on Jackson. And more stuff by Davis.
October 8, 2024
I would never have thought I’d read a book about a Confederate and enjoy it. But I did! The book was very well written. The descriptions of nature were almost poetic. Stonewall was so well depicted that you forget he was on the wrong side in the Civil War. So many attributes of his character were surprising—his strong religious beliefs, which were generous and not overbearing; his secretiveness; his skill at detecting the most effective way to win. What a shame he did not lead the US Army as he had started after graduating from West Point!
February 15, 2010
Subtitled "A Life of Lieutenant General T. J. Jackson, C.S.A."
"Stonewall" Jackson was one of the most brilliant leaders of the Confederate army. This is not just a life story, but a history of the Civil War including detailed descriptions of probably every battle and skirmish Jackson was involved in. I expected a little more of a traditional biography, but didn't even get to Jackson's boyhood until chapter 7. I think I would have appreciated more knowing the details of his background and upbringing before launching into his skills of military strategy. But nonetheless, for anyone interested in the Civil War, this is a fascinating and well-written book. It was first published in 1954, so the scholarship may be somewhat dated; but it provides a worthwhile look at a very complex and fascinating man.
"Stonewall" Jackson was one of the most brilliant leaders of the Confederate army. This is not just a life story, but a history of the Civil War including detailed descriptions of probably every battle and skirmish Jackson was involved in. I expected a little more of a traditional biography, but didn't even get to Jackson's boyhood until chapter 7. I think I would have appreciated more knowing the details of his background and upbringing before launching into his skills of military strategy. But nonetheless, for anyone interested in the Civil War, this is a fascinating and well-written book. It was first published in 1954, so the scholarship may be somewhat dated; but it provides a worthwhile look at a very complex and fascinating man.
August 3, 2014
While this is the definitive book on Stonewall Jackson, I found it a very difficult listen and quit listening after only about 20% as it began to sound like "Charlie Brown's teacher." A student of the Civil War with maps and a desire to "study" could probably wade through the minutiae of counties, roads and battle engagements in Virginia, but I find those things droll and stimulation free. Maybe the book version is a better way to take this on. The casual reader/listener should avoid this book.
September 9, 2007
The definitive work on Stonewall Jackson. A very fascinating book in general terms and a must read for civil war buffs.
August 22, 2011
A good historical biography of Stonewall Jackson who was considered by many to be Lee's best general.
August 6, 2011
A good, basic biography of Stonewall Jackson. It is easily read and goes into enough detail that the reader can understand the life of this famous Confederate General.
July 4, 2020
The book is well researched. It describes many battles that I found boring and tedious. I did appreciate learning more about Jackson's character, his relationship with his wife/family, and soldier life during the Civil War.
Some of my favorite facts/quotes:
"The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage."
Favorite hymn: "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood"
Abstained from liquor because he likes the taste of it so much. "When I found that out, I made up my mind to do without it."
Choose unusual staff - civilians were chosen for their talents rather than reputations.
Owned slaves and started a Negro Sunday School.
Had an iron will, skill of improvisation and strict religious convictions.
Became hypochondriacal.
Favored the Union and insisted that Virginia could get her rights inside the Union better than without. But also agreed with Jefferson Davis that the South was not in revolt but seeking to maintain liberties won in the Revolution (state's rights). This theory was in vogue at the moment.
In the heaviest of fighting, when the Southerners were being driven from the hill, General Bee yelled to his South Carolinians, pointing to Jackson's men, who steadily awaited the next attack: "Look, there stands Jackson like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians, men!"
Thousands of Confederate soldiers protested and deserted because they did not enlist to invade Yankee territory; they would fight only to defend their homes.
"It is gratifying to be beloved and to have our conduct approved by our fellow-men, but this is not worthy to be compared with the glory that is in reservation for us in the presence of our glorified Redeemer."
Some of my favorite facts/quotes:
"The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage."
Favorite hymn: "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood"
Abstained from liquor because he likes the taste of it so much. "When I found that out, I made up my mind to do without it."
Choose unusual staff - civilians were chosen for their talents rather than reputations.
Owned slaves and started a Negro Sunday School.
Had an iron will, skill of improvisation and strict religious convictions.
Became hypochondriacal.
Favored the Union and insisted that Virginia could get her rights inside the Union better than without. But also agreed with Jefferson Davis that the South was not in revolt but seeking to maintain liberties won in the Revolution (state's rights). This theory was in vogue at the moment.
In the heaviest of fighting, when the Southerners were being driven from the hill, General Bee yelled to his South Carolinians, pointing to Jackson's men, who steadily awaited the next attack: "Look, there stands Jackson like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians, men!"
Thousands of Confederate soldiers protested and deserted because they did not enlist to invade Yankee territory; they would fight only to defend their homes.
"It is gratifying to be beloved and to have our conduct approved by our fellow-men, but this is not worthy to be compared with the glory that is in reservation for us in the presence of our glorified Redeemer."
May 25, 2019
I would have preferred a more straight-forward handling of the citations, references, quotations and maybe a few more maps to make this book a real history rather than a historical novel. This however is generally my only reservation in recommending the book. Mostly the author gave me the impression that he and I were sitting around a campfire as he told me about the life of T.J. Jackson. This ability to write like you are telling a story a rare talent. I found I could be interrupted from the book in mid-sentence and later come right back to my place rather than flipping back to the beginning of the paragraph or a previous page or two. Finally, the story added authenticity to the gritty conditions, the absence of supplies, miles-long treks, lack of shoes and clothing, and other daily hardships that plagued the Confederate ranks to a much greater extent than the Yankee troops. Many Civil War histories describe the miserable conditions faced by the troops but an objective description does not carry the feeling of the day to day rummaging for scraps to eat that this book presents.
February 26, 2023
Thomas J. Jackson is one of my heroes. He had a traumatic childhood and tragedy-filled life (see below for details), but by the grace of God and personal determination, he became the premier, world-renown soldier of the Civil War. Stonewall Jackson is an American icon and should be held in reverence. This book does Stonewall’s story justice.
Stonewall’s tragedies:
- 1 when his sister and father died
- 7 when he was sent to live with his uncles and his mother died
- 11 when his step-grandmother died and had to move in with another aunt, but left their after a year to live back with his uncles because of abuse
- 13 when his older brother died, whom he was close with
- 30 when his first child (son) was a stillborn and his first wife died of hemorrhage
- 34 when his first child (girl) with his new wife died in infancy
- 39 died himself
Stonewall’s tragedies:
- 1 when his sister and father died
- 7 when he was sent to live with his uncles and his mother died
- 11 when his step-grandmother died and had to move in with another aunt, but left their after a year to live back with his uncles because of abuse
- 13 when his older brother died, whom he was close with
- 30 when his first child (son) was a stillborn and his first wife died of hemorrhage
- 34 when his first child (girl) with his new wife died in infancy
- 39 died himself
May 20, 2024
They Called Him Stonewall Inspired Admiration
The titular character, Thomas J. “Stonewall� Jackson, was a peculiar man seemingly created for such a time as his. His peculiarities would have precluded his role as a leader, and absolutely forbade his being so beloved. Yet, in spite of how unlikely, the intensity with which he lived out his life cemented him into history as a hero of the Confederacy for his friends and his enemies. An excellent account of Jackson’s life!!
The titular character, Thomas J. “Stonewall� Jackson, was a peculiar man seemingly created for such a time as his. His peculiarities would have precluded his role as a leader, and absolutely forbade his being so beloved. Yet, in spite of how unlikely, the intensity with which he lived out his life cemented him into history as a hero of the Confederacy for his friends and his enemies. An excellent account of Jackson’s life!!
November 19, 2018
A great look at the life and military career of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson for his humble childhood, his time as a student then teacher at VMI, his military service during the Mexican War, and his leadership during the Civil War. A leader of men but, more important to him, a man who took is faith seriously.
October 2, 2021
This is a wonderful book that is detailed and intimate. Jackson quickly rises to the high rank of Lt. General and just as quickly cut down while only briefly showing his metal. The narration is well done and the writing is both hard and touching as Jackson was both. Clearly the South lost one of its brightest stars early in the fight.
February 6, 2020
The book is geared for serious Civil War history buffs. It is well researched, well-written and a nice mix of military battles/strategy and personal stories and descriptions of individuals. Stonewall Jackson is a very interesting person and was a very skilled general.
February 23, 2020
I have always been a history buff especially the civil war era. I enjoyed this book which covers Jackson's Shenandoah Valley campaign and other aspects of his life and both the Mexican and Cival wars. I recommend this for history fans.
April 23, 2020
Stonewall
A classic biography of Jackson. Reread after 30 years and the telling of the life story is highly readable. Done in the modern format beginning at a story in mid life, then to the family, birth and education.
Recommend as a biography and good general history.
A classic biography of Jackson. Reread after 30 years and the telling of the life story is highly readable. Done in the modern format beginning at a story in mid life, then to the family, birth and education.
Recommend as a biography and good general history.
May 2, 2020
The book faithfully shows the remarkable life of T. J. Jackson.
I felt the book portrayed an honest representation of, not just a Corp commander, but the human being known as Stonewall Jackson.
I felt the book portrayed an honest representation of, not just a Corp commander, but the human being known as Stonewall Jackson.
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May 11, 2020“They Called Him Stonewall� By Burke Davis was an excellent book. This truly brings the history of this great general alive. I learned so much about the Civil War, strategy, tactics and the life of all the people who fought in this war.
March 8, 2021
Loved the book! Very well researched and full of detail. Written in way that brings the life and actions of Stonewall Jackson jump off the page. I've read books about his exploits in the Civil War before and this was one of the best, well worth the read.
December 11, 2021
Another great book by Burke Davis
Burke Davis books are always incredibly informative and well-written. The Life of Stonewall Jackson certainly continues this tradition.
of Stonewall Jackson
Burke Davis books are always incredibly informative and well-written. The Life of Stonewall Jackson certainly continues this tradition.
of Stonewall Jackson
June 10, 2017
read original 1954 edition. Nice Biography of Tom Fool
July 9, 2018
I liked the book, but I found myself looking forward to Jackson being shot and killed by his own troops.
June 1, 2020
Stone wall
Great book well worth the down load and read! Historically accurate and hard to stop reading night recommed the read!
Great book well worth the down load and read! Historically accurate and hard to stop reading night recommed the read!
June 16, 2020
Riveting account of Thomas Jonathon Jackson's life.
November 25, 2020
Very good book on on Stonewall Jackson which was fairly accurate.
May 17, 2021
I was hoping for more about Jackson’s early life. However this is a well written book and I enjoyed it.
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