Cedar Mountain to Antietam

“I thoroughly enjoyed this new study on the early days of the XII Corps. Bryan skillfully weaves firsthand accounts into a compelling story about the triumphs and defeats of this venerable unit. Unlike so many other unit histories, he provides context by explaining the Confederate side of the equation and goes one step further by devoting space to the topography of the battlefields. These approaches help the reader gain a much better grasp of the issues and challenges the XII Corps faced. Hal Jespersen’s outstanding maps are abundant and effectively complement the text. This study thrusts armchair readers into the ranks of the XII Corps, where they can almost see, smell, and hear the sounds of camp, the march, and the battles. I wish all unit history books were this good.” ~Bradley M. Gottfried, author of "The Maps of Antietam"

“This is a terrific book! Chris Bryan’s deep research and concise prose shines new light on the often-overlooked travails and valor of ‘Banks’ Weary Boys’ as they became the XII Corps, Army of the Potomac at Antietam. I highly recommend it.” ~Thomas G. Clemens, editor of "The Maryland Campaign of September 1862" trilogy

“Deeply researched and accompanied by splendid battle maps, Chris Bryan’s book is an engaging microhistory of the Union Army’s XII Corps during the crucial summer and fall of 1862. In addition to providing a clear and comprehensive narrative, Bryan has marshaled a myriad of soldier’s voices to create a vivid portrait of life in the Union Army during its most trying period.” ~Craig L. Symonds, Professor Emeritus, United States Naval Academy

“The XII Corps was something of an ugly stepchild in the Union Army and did not often get full credit for its battlefield performance. Chris Bryan’s richly sourced narrative helps bring the XII Corps and its remarkable story from Cedar Mountain to Antietam out of the shadows.” ~D. Scott Hartwig, author of "To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862"

“Cedar Mountain to Antietam brings relief to the deeds of an organization and men history has left behind. Chris Bryan tells the story of the XII Corps as its soldiers would have wanted it done: with good writing, excellent storytelling, deep research, and a close focus on their successes, struggles, and sacrifices. This book will be an essential source for those interested in the Army of the Potomac or the campaigns of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, or Second Manassas.” ~John Hennessy, author of Return to "Bull Run: The Campaign and Battle of Second Manassas"

“The study is a deep dive into the very fabric of this corps, the depth of research Bryan brings to the forefront is truly worthy to note. This is a micro-tactical study in the fullest sense of that phrase.” ~Emerging Civil War Book Review

“Where this book shines is the attention Bryan pays to individual accounts - humanizing the campaign in ways that reveal the experiences of combat, a tough nut to crack. Bryan’s use of private correspondence and the OR among a zillion other sources is exceptional.” ~Keith Harris, Keith Harris History

“Drawing heavily on unpublished manuscripts, and newspapers, as well as published works, he paints a detailed picture of its efforts, which are usual glossed over. His treatment flows well, is balanced, and easy to follow. His analysis of actions, often at the micro-tactical level, and descriptive narrative will be useful to scholars and armchair historians.” ~The NYMAS Review

“Bryan’s impressive research and compelling narrative do great credit to the officers and men of XII Corps, bringing their history to the fore through their own voices, struggles, and sacrifices…bridges the gap between the popular regimental micro-histories and the larger battle or campaign-level narratives.” ~On Point: The Journal of Army History