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BOOK NOTES The Sword over the Mantel: The Civil War and I. By J. Bryan, III. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1960. Pp. 123. $3.75.) Written by a former Richmond newspaperman, this little monograph is largely a collection of humorous war stories passed down to the author by his Confederate forebears and family servants—although the first chapter extolls the good time enjoyed in a Confederate club founded by Mr. Bryan and fellow naval officers in the Pacific theater during World War II. In rather rambling fashion the author brings to fight anecdotes and experiences as related by his grandfathers and uncles, all of whom seemed to possess a consistently rich humor both during and after the Civil War. One or two recollections of Dr. Douglas Freeman give an interesting insight into the character of that renowned scholar. This book provides highly interesting reading, but it is not recommended for the serious buff who likes his Civil War history undiluted by the water of witticism or the soda of a tall tale. Hancock the Superb. By Glenn Tucker. (Indianapolis: The BobbsMerrill Company, 1960. Pp. 368. $5.00.) Readers of the March issue of Civil War History received a taste of this appetizing biography of Winfield Scott Hancock, gallant and respected commander of the Army of the Potomac's Second Corps. The daring Pennsylvanian with full mustache, trimmed goatee, and field hat cocked to one side not only was a familiar figure in the Eastern army but, more particularly, weathered the storm of pre-Grant incompetents and emerged from the war as the most trustworthy corps commander in the Federal army. He is primarily remembered for his defense against Early at Williamsburg , for his defense against Pickett at Gettysburg, and for his slam-bang assault against Lee at Spotsylvania that ripped the Confederate fines at The Salient to shreds. His tenacity under Grant in the Wilderness and at Cold Harbor stamped him with marks of merit that directly led to his presidential nomination in 1880. In this first study of Hancock in over seventy years, Mr. Tucker has expertly woven together the exploits of one of the Union's most dependable commanders. He has provided clear maps and several excellent photographs of Hancock. And he has adequately portrayed a man so pugnacious that Confederate opponents admiringly dubbed him "Thunderbolt of the Army of the Potomac." 338 John Palmer Usher: Lincoln's Secretary of the Interior. By Elmo R. Richardson and Alan W. Farley. (Lawrence: University of Kansas Press, 1960. Pp. vii, 152. $3.50.) Of the able men who composed Lincoln's wartime cabinet, John Palmer Usher is surely the least known. This is not difficult to explain, for the duties of the Secretary of the Interior do not seem as profound or encompassing as those of Seward, Stanton, and Welles. Moreover, the Kansan who held this secretaryship was an unpretentious and quietly devoted man who did little to publicize his own efforts. But in vivid fashion this first biography of Usher shows that his labors during the war were numerous and important. His efforts on behalf of the transcontinental railroad are enough in themselves to warrant a pointed study of the man. The authors, in recounting his political career, have given a new perspective to life in Lincoln's official family, just as they have emphasized the political complexities of a nation engulfed in civil war. Well written and highly documented, this volume is an overdue study—and a merited tribute— to one who served faithfully without waving the flag and singing his own praises. The Battle of Gettysburg: A Guided Tour. By Edward J. Stackpole and Wilbur S. Nye. (Harrisburg, Pa.: The Stackpole Company, 1960. Pp. 96. $1.00.) Intended for tourists, this small paperback volume is crammed with data, illustrations, and maps to facilitate an understanding of the threeday battle that many maintain decided the war. The booklet is divided into three sections. Part I is a helpful guide for motorists who wish to traverse the field on their own and without benefit of professional direction . The bulk of the study, Part ?, is a detailed narrative of the battle, replete with brigade and battery dispositions. Organization...

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