John Hoptak, a friend, fellow blogger, Antietam Park Ranger, and all around good guy has published a new book called, The Battle of South Mountain. This 182 page book is published by The History Press and is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about this often overlooked battle. In addition to the narrative, there is an extensive bibliography (divided into primary and secondary sources), notes and a order of battle section.

Scattered throughout the book are numerous photographs and maps. The maps were actually done by fellow blogger and Antietam Ranger Mannie.

The book is well researched and well written and provides the reader with a thorough understanding of the battle. The Battle of South Mountain was fought on September 14, 1862 and is often forgotten or overlooked due to the events that happened at Antietam on September 17th. There were about 13,000 Confederates and 36,000 Union troops engaged that day with about 5,200 casualties between the two armies. By the end of the fighting, the Confederates were in retreat and the Union army was in good position.

One of the things that I especially like about the book is that it is interspersed with quotes from the soldiers who fought in this rugged mountain area. These quotes give the reader a truer sense of the intensity of the fighting. If I have one comment for improvement it would be that the maps have a day/time stamp on them to help the reader.

Again, I highly recommend this book for any fan of the Civil War.  Click on the book cover below to order your copy today.