Book Review: Bull Run

Bull Run
by Paul Fleischman

This book is about the Battle of Bull Run (known as the Battle of Manassas by the Confederates) as described from different viewpoints. The various people talk about a different important topic (Horses, Trains, Clothes, etc.) Some of the points of view include soldiers, wives, spectators, civilians, politicians, etc. It has descriptions from both sides--from the Union and the Confederacy. There are 16 viewpoints altogether.

It has good maps and nice illustrations. I decided that the illustrations were quite good for woodcuts. Each character has a different illustration that highlights what their concerns are. The book has rather thick pages, decreasing the risk of paper cuts.

It is a pretty educational book but it can sometimes be confusing. It is also slightly depressing. It has good way of explaining the strategies and events of the Battle of Bull Run. I would say its rating is about 3/7.