Contrasts in Command

“The Battle of Seven Pines/Fair Oaks set up the seismic clash outside Richmond between the armies of George B. McClellan and Robert E. Lee in the late spring of 1862. This welcome study provides by far the most detailed treatment to date of the two-day battle, with a focus on leadership and the tactical ebb and flow at the Fair Oaks sector of the field. Students of the Eastern Theater, and of the military history of the Civil War more generally, will turn to this study with profit.” ~Gary W. Gallagher, author of The Enduring Civil War

“Victor Vignola’s Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks is an engaging and thoroughly researched examination of a critical Civil War engagement that until recently received scant attention. Accompanied by an impressive array of battlefield maps, Vignola’s vivid narrative is a highly readable volume bristling with insights. I highly recommend it.” ~Gordon C. Rhea, author of The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern, May 7–12, 1864 and To The North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13–25, 1864

“The fighting on May 31 and June 1, 1862, in front of Richmond often is mentioned only in the context of Joe Johnston’s wounding. In reality, it was a dramatic story on both sides, with ramifications lasting well after the battle’s end. Contrasts in Command brings those important stories out of the shadows and illuminates a neglected part of the war in Virginia.” ~Christopher L. Kolakowski, author of The Virginia Campaigns, March–August 1862

“The author’s new and important study concentrates on the Fair Oaks part of the battle. His research is thorough, he has walked the ground, and his narrative brings the battle to life.” ~Doug Crenshaw, co-author of To Hell or Richmond and author of Richmond Shall Not Be Given Up