The Gleam of Bayonets: The Battle of Antietam and Robert E. Lee's Maryland Campaign, September 1862

by James V. Murfin, James I. Robertson Jr. (Introduction), Scott Hartwig (Foreword by)

Overview

One of the bloodiest days in American military history, the Battle of Antietam turned the tide of the Civil War in favor of the North and delivered the first major defeat to Robert E. Lee’s army. In The Gleam of Bayonets, James V. Murfin gives a compelling account of the events and personalities involved in this momentous battle. The gentleness and patience of Lincoln, the vacillations of McClellan, and the grandeur of Lee—all unfold before the reader. The battle itself is presented with precision and scope as Murfin blends together atmosphere and fact, emotions and tactics, into a dramatic and coherent whole. Originally published in 1965, The Gleam of Bayonets is now recognized as a classic and the standard against which all books on Antietam are measured.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807130209
Publisher:	Louisiana State University Press
Publication date:	09/01/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	472
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

James V. Murfin (1929–1987) spent most of his life chronicling the dramatic battle that took place close to his boyhood home of Hagerstown, Maryland. He worked for the National Park Service in the Publication’s Division at Harpers Ferry for seventeen years and was the author or editor of more than a dozen books, including Harpers Ferry and National Parks of the U.S.A. The Murfin Theater at Antietam National Battlefield Visitors Center is named in his honor.

Editorial Reviews

Although nearly forty years have passed since Murfin’s tour de force on the Maryland Campaigns that climaxed at Antietam first appeared, his conclusions and graceful narrative style continue to command attention.

Edwin Bearss

A thorough and beautifully written account of the most decisive battle of the Civil War.

Dennis E. Frye

Murfin’s The Gleam of Bayonets has stood the test of time. It was a groundbreaking study when it was first published [in 1965]. It remains one of a few essential volumes on the Maryland Campaign and the Battle of Antietam. I use it frequently in my work and regard it as one of the classic Civil War campaign and battle books.

Ted Alexander

The Gleam of Bayonets was the first book I ever read on the Maryland campaign of 1862 and the battle of Antietam, and it remains one of the best. I find myself going back to it time and again for information on the political and diplomatic context of the campaign as well as the military strategy and tactics. The reissue of this splendid book will make it available to a new generation of readers.

James M. McPherson James M. McPherson

An examination in detail of the first and most important Confederate invasion of the North. . . . A model of its kind.

The New Yorker

The Gleam of Bayonets was the first book I ever read on the Maryland campaign of 1862 and the battle of Antietam, and it remains one of the best. I find myself going back to it time and again for information on the political and diplomatic context of the campaign as well as the military strategy and tactics. The reissue of this splendid book will make it available to a new generation of readers.

James M. McPherson

An examination in detail of the first and most important Confederate invasion of the North. . . . A model of its kind.

The New Yorker