Timothy B. Smith teaches history at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He has published fifteen books on the Civil War, including Grant Invades Tennessee: The 1862 Battles for Forts Henry and Donelson and Shiloh: Conquer or Perish.
Timothy B. Smith's detailed study of Ulysses S. Grant prior to and during the Vicksburg Campaign will satisfy the most demanding historian, yet it is both readable and entertaining. Refreshingly, the extensive use of primary sources in this work does not rely solely on Grant's excellent, but humanly biased, memoirs. Instead, Dr. Smith digs deeply into contemporary correspondence to ferret out contradictions or inaccuracies that have been overlooked by many previous authors. What emerges is a narrative of how Grant deals with the complexities of leadership, to include strategy, administration, public affairs, logistics, and politics. Grant's human side is also revealed through his family relationships. This is definitely a meaningful addition to the Vicksburg bibliotheca. --Brig. Gen. (Ret.) J. Parker Hills In this fine volume, Smith thoughtfully and skillfully examines the Civil War's most decisive western campaign and analyzes the man, the decisions, and the lessons that defined a compelling leadership style in the war's most important Union victory. --Stephen D. Engle, author, Gathering to Save a Nation: Lincoln and the Union's War Governors