In the mid or late 90s, I received Shelby Foote’s 3-volume Civil War: A Narrative. I read it a couple of years later, and that helped cement my interest in the Civil Wsr
When I was a kid I got a Union ‘Kepi’ for Christmas, along with a toy sword and sheath, and gun belt with a holster. I loved that get up, and even wore them the following year for Halloween.
When I was laying in the hospital recuperating for my injuries and going through physical therapy a girlfriend of mine picked up the three volume Shelby Foote Civil War series for my birthday slash Christmas present since my birthday is a few days before Christmas It was a very nice gesture but I had been studying World War II for roughly 20 years by that point and I spent all my time reading and writing on World War II blogs. As they say it’s the thought that counts, and she had a heart of gold she just didn’t understand I had no interest in the Civil War or anything besides World War II. When the orthopedic surgeon came in to check on me after doing all his manipulations of my legs and what was left of my knees he turned to walk away and then he stopped and said ” there’s no better way to start your study of the Civil War then Shelby Foote 3 volume series ” At first I arrogantly dismissed his comment and went back to reading a book on the Eastern Front of World War II. A girlfriend that had purchased me the books stopped by the next day and asked me why I hadn’t opened the box containing the trilogy and I told her I was too groggy to read. After she left I felt really bad about lying to her after she went out of her way to buy me a gift and one of my core values is to always remain humble so I was disgusted with myself for dismissing the orthopedic surgeons comment regarding the Shelby Foote series was a great way to start the Civil War. This was in 2011. Since that time I have purchased and read roughly 350 books on the Civil War and not one on World War II. Although she was just a friend for the great hobby she introduced me to I took her to Ruth’s Chris Steak House and I didn’t have the words to explain to her how thankful I was for introducing what has become now my life for all intensive purposes. It is also through her and two of my aunt’s that I’ve read my papers when I was at Michigan who encourage me to write so it has become my goal to have a book published 3 years from now, Christmas of 2021. So I have to say without a doubt it was the greatest gift I have ever received. And finding this particular Civil War blog with so many authors and editors willing to help me and give me advice it amazes me. And it’s all thanks Myra, 5 ft 1 90 lb woman who has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. Everyone be careful driving tonight because 6 out of 10 cars the driver will be intoxicated I recently read on New Year’s Eve, and you’re all far too educated and contribute too much to higher thinking to have anything happen to you so everyone have a fun happy New Year’s and I can’t wait to see what the blog brings us next year!
From Christmases past or present, do you have a favorite Civil War related gift that you have received?
Received a weekend at the Doubleday Inn
My parents gave me a lap blanket recreated from one Abe Lincoln used.
In the mid or late 90s, I received Shelby Foote’s 3-volume Civil War: A Narrative. I read it a couple of years later, and that helped cement my interest in the Civil Wsr
My statue of General Cleburne on my front lawn in Connecticut (well, I can dream, can’t I?)
When I was a kid I got a Union ‘Kepi’ for Christmas, along with a toy sword and sheath, and gun belt with a holster. I loved that get up, and even wore them the following year for Halloween.
When I was laying in the hospital recuperating for my injuries and going through physical therapy a girlfriend of mine picked up the three volume Shelby Foote Civil War series for my birthday slash Christmas present since my birthday is a few days before Christmas It was a very nice gesture but I had been studying World War II for roughly 20 years by that point and I spent all my time reading and writing on World War II blogs. As they say it’s the thought that counts, and she had a heart of gold she just didn’t understand I had no interest in the Civil War or anything besides World War II. When the orthopedic surgeon came in to check on me after doing all his manipulations of my legs and what was left of my knees he turned to walk away and then he stopped and said ” there’s no better way to start your study of the Civil War then Shelby Foote 3 volume series ” At first I arrogantly dismissed his comment and went back to reading a book on the Eastern Front of World War II. A girlfriend that had purchased me the books stopped by the next day and asked me why I hadn’t opened the box containing the trilogy and I told her I was too groggy to read. After she left I felt really bad about lying to her after she went out of her way to buy me a gift and one of my core values is to always remain humble so I was disgusted with myself for dismissing the orthopedic surgeons comment regarding the Shelby Foote series was a great way to start the Civil War. This was in 2011. Since that time I have purchased and read roughly 350 books on the Civil War and not one on World War II. Although she was just a friend for the great hobby she introduced me to I took her to Ruth’s Chris Steak House and I didn’t have the words to explain to her how thankful I was for introducing what has become now my life for all intensive purposes. It is also through her and two of my aunt’s that I’ve read my papers when I was at Michigan who encourage me to write so it has become my goal to have a book published 3 years from now, Christmas of 2021. So I have to say without a doubt it was the greatest gift I have ever received. And finding this particular Civil War blog with so many authors and editors willing to help me and give me advice it amazes me. And it’s all thanks Myra, 5 ft 1 90 lb woman who has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. Everyone be careful driving tonight because 6 out of 10 cars the driver will be intoxicated I recently read on New Year’s Eve, and you’re all far too educated and contribute too much to higher thinking to have anything happen to you so everyone have a fun happy New Year’s and I can’t wait to see what the blog brings us next year!