Click on comments and have at it. Be as long-or short-winded as you like. If we get enough activity, I’ll summarize the “winners”. If not, I’ll let the whole thing die on the vine.
Let’s have some fun. This is the time of year that faceless organizations give out their awards for “best of” Civil War stuff. I thought it would be neat to give you all the opportunity to spout off on what you liked (or disliked, if you must) the most in the year just gone by. For books, let’s limit it to Civil War era publications from 2007. Any Civil War themed blog is eligible. What the heck, let’s throw in DVD’s that were released that concern the era, too. And while we’re at it, nominate the best CW speaker you heard last year.
Harry Smeltzer
Bull Runnings 
Harry,
For best CW books, I cast my votes for for the following:
“Stealing the General,” by Russ Bonds
“Trench Warfare under Grant & Lee,” by Earl Hess
“Shiloh & the Western Campaign of 1862,” by O. Edward Cunningham & edited by Tim Smith & Gary Joiner
Mike
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Thanks Mike. I was about ready to declare this issue dead. For what it’s worth, my two favorite 2007 publications were Craughwell’s “Stealing Lincoln’s Body” and Steers’s “Lincoln Legends”. I have the three books you mention, but only read Cunningham (which I reviewed here).
I don’t have a favorite DVD release, and what I like and don’t like about CW blogs will be the subject of a separate post. But the long and short of it is Mannie Gentile’s and Brian Downey’s are my favorites. I always feel better after I read their posts.
And while I unfortunately didn’t get to hear many speakers this year, the best for me was Gary Ecelbarger – and I’m not just saying that because he’s a friend.
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Good blog choices! I’m also partial to “Bull Runnings,” the work of Eric, JD, Nick, Drew & Jim Schmidt. Lots out there to accompany my first cup of Joe.
Still waiting for a “Zouave” blog. :)
Mike
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I’m living proof that you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to host a blog, Mike. If you need help getting a Zouave blog up and running, just let me know!
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Maybe if I can scrap a little off my plate, I may take you up on the offer. Much obliged!
Mike
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zoo zoo zoo. Please pop a note if I can help get your zouaves on the net, Mike (or Harry).
I’m so narrowly focused that I’ve not read a Civil War-era book in its entirety all year. Too busy hit-and-running through references for specifics. Can’t nominate a favorite there. If I should have time for only one volume, what should it be? Anyone?
Really enjoyed the CW and digital history blogosphere(s) in 2007 though. An abundance of riches.
Thanks Harry!
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Brian,
If I had to narrow my choices down to one, it wouold be Russ Bonds’ “Stealing the General.”
Mike
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Brian,
I’m partial to the “Stealing Lincoln’s Body” book that I mentioned above. It’s nothing earth shattering, but it’s a fun ride and the author is not constrained by the topic – he pulls the threads that we like to see pulled!
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