Brian Steel Wills Boeken

Set during the 1863 Suffolk campaign, the narrative explores the harrowing experiences of residents in Nansemond, Isle of Wight, and Southampton Counties as Confederate forces threaten the Union garrison. The local population endures relentless demands from both Southern recruits and Union troops, facing extreme hardships and the brutal realities of war. This account highlights the profound impact of the Civil War on civilians, showcasing their resilience amid the chaos and suffering brought by the conflict.

The narrative centers on the controversial actions of Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest during the 1864 Fort Pillow incident, which has been labeled a "massacre." Brian Steel Wills, a renowned biographer of Forrest, contends that while atrocities occurred post-battle, there was no direct order from Forrest for a systematic execution of Union defenders. Instead, Wills argues that Forrest's significant failure was his inability to maintain control over his troops during the chaotic aftermath of the attack.

The book analyzes the representation of the Civil War in Hollywood films, contrasting entertainment value with historical accuracy. It examines how various films, from Birth of a Nation to Cold Mountain, influenced one another and shaped America's evolving perceptions of the war and the nation itself. Through this exploration, the author highlights the complex relationship between cinema and history, revealing how cultural narratives have shifted over time.

Award-winning historian Brian Steel Wills digs deep to paint this rich portrait of Charlton Heston's extraordinary life - a mix of complications and complexities that touched film, television, theatre, politics, and society.