Michigan and the Civil War: A Great and Bloody Sacrifice
Michigan undertook a rapid and robust response to Lincoln's call to arms during the Civil War and in many of its great battles. Read the much overlooked history in this volume.
With lively narration, telling anecdotes, and vivid battlefield accounts, Michigan and the Civil War tells the story as never before of Michigan's heroic contributions to saving the Union. Beginning with Michigan's antebellum period and anti-slavery heritage, the book proceeds through Michigan's rapid response to President Lincoln's call to arms, its participation in each of the War's greatest battles, portrayal of its most interesting personalities, and the concluding triumph as Custer corners Lee at Appomattox and the 4th Michigan Cavalry apprehends the fleeing Jeff Davis. Based on thorough and up-to-date research, the result is surprising in its breadth, sometimes awe-inspiring, and always a revelation given how contributions by the Great Lake State in the Civil War are too often overlooked, even by its own citizens.
All proceeds from the sale of this book goes toward the Michigan Monument at Antietam project.
Available: Michigan and the Civil War: A Great and Bloody Sacrifice
Praise for Michigan and the Civil War
“An enormous contribution – Dempsey’s writing piques the imagination – readers will be fascinated to learn more about the key role Michigan played – Dempsey’s ingenious writing, superlative battlefield scenes and clear-cut descriptions provide a dramatic addition to the history of the Civil War and Michigan’s important role ” Dome Magazine Feb. 20, 2011, Bill Castanier
“A well researched and well written account of the Wolverine State in the nation's terrible Civil War. Whether you're from Michigan or not, this a very good book for history lovers. Order a copy and enjoy it like I did." Richard Liblong, Author, Michigan historian, Feb. 20, 2011
“Well-researched and masterfully presented – full of intriguing stories” Traverse City Record-Eagle Apr. 17, 2011, George Weeks
“Well-written – this ought to be an indispensable book for anyone interested in our state’s history” Michigan Radio Apr. 29, 2011, Jack Lessenberry
“Salutes the valor and sacrifice of Michigan fighters during the War Between the States" Hour Detroit magazine, May 2011 issue, George Bulanda
"Well-crafted – Mr. Dempsey's thesis that Michigan was in the thick of the war is admirably proven by his book – as is his assertion that we know far too little about some of the epic stories and characters involved." Toledo Blade Jack Lessenberry June 3, 2011
“Covering everything … provides an in-depth look at Michigan’s role in saving the Union. … Through the use of anecdotes and battlefield accounts, Dempsey weaves together a historical account that covers all stages of the Civil War – from the Michigan perspective” Michigan History magazine May/June 2011
“Fun to read – keeps one wondering at what important or obscure moment a Michigan figure will next appear – calculated to pique one’s curiosity” Civil War News June 2011
“Well-crafted -- doesn’t whitewash history, and tells stories of injustice and racism” Dome Magazine June 3, 2011, Jack Lessenberry
“Unique, comprehensive portrayal” Detroit Legal News Sep 5, 2011, Kurt Anthony Krug
“Very interesting – you don’t have to be from Michigan to enjoy this book“ Civil War Talk Radio Feb. 17, 2012, Gerald Prokopowicz
“Engaging – the reading public will benefit” Michigan Historical Review Fall 2012, John Daley
“Offering a fresh and readable glimpse into Michigan’s role in the preservation of the Union, Dempsey leads us through the major characters, battles and events of the Civil War” – Michigan Notable Book, 2012
Reviews of Michigan and the Civil War
Review by Bill Castanier, Dome magazine, Feb. 20, 2011
This "omnibus book" represents "an enormous contribution" to Civil War studies. "Readers will be fascinated" by "ingenious writing, superlative battlefield scenes and clear-cut descriptions." It is "a dramatic addition to the history of the Civil War and Michigan’s important role"; Dempsey's "writing piques the imagination."
http://domemagazine.com/bookit/bookit0211
Amazon.com review
5.0 out of 5 stars A Michigan Winner!, Feb. 20 '11, by Richard P. Liblong, Author, Michigan historian: "a well-researched and well written account of the Wolverine State in the nation's terrible Civil War." "Whether you're from Michigan or not, this a very good book for history lovers. Order a copy and enjoy it like I did."
Traverse City Record-Eagle, Apr. 17 '11, [also St. Ignace News] by George Weeks
The book is "well-researched and masterfully presented" and full of "intriguing stories"
Hour Detroit magazine, May '11 issue
"Brave Hearts: A new book salutes the valor and sacrifice of Michigan fighters during the War Between the States", Hour Detroit magazine, May '11 issue, by George Bulanda. "Michigan soldiers were especially valiant in defending the Union, as recounted in" the book.
Michigan Radio, April 29, ‘11
“well-written and lavishly illustrated” -- “This ought to be an indispensable book” -- “There are haunting stories here.”
Civil War News review, June ‘11
“a generously illustrated offering” -- “a very digestible overview of the role played in the Civil War by Michigan and those with Michigan connections before, during, or even after the war.” -- “fun to read” -- “It keeps one wondering at what important or obscure moment a Michigan figure will next appear.” -- “This is a book calculated to pique one’s curiosity” -- “offers a useful bibliography of more than 100 ‘Michigan-Related Civil War Works.’” -- “With Michigan regiments serving east and west, Michiganders certainly do seem omnipresent on the Civil War canvas — from Fort Sumter to Appomattox — and Dempsey appreciates every one of them.”
http://www.civilwarnews.com/reviews/2011br/june/mich-dempsey-b061112.html
Jack Lessenberry review, Dome Magazine, entitled “Giving Michigan Its Due”, June 3, ‘11
“well-crafted” -- “Dempsey’s theory that Michigan was well in the thick of the war is admirably proven by his book — as is his theory that we know far too little about some of the epic stories and characters involved.” -- “Mr. Dempsey doesn’t whitewash history, and he tells stories of injustice and racism that may make the comic book patriot squirm.”
