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Into the Crater

The Mine Attack at Petersburg
by Earl J. Hess
Into the Crater: The Mine Attack at Petersburg. Univ. of South Carolina. Nov. 2010. c.352p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781570039225. $44.95. MILITARY HISTORY
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Here is yet another book on the Battle of the Crater, the devastating engagement of July 30, 1864, and a subject for which WorldCat lists over 240 titles (e.g., Richard Slotkin's recent No Quarter). The Union sought to penetrate enemy lines around the railhead at Petersburg, VA, by means of a tunnel that would be blown up, but confusion, poor leadership, and swift reaction by the defenders turned it into a Union debacle. This rendition is well written and flows well, with much detail. Hess (history, Lincoln Memorial Univ.) is particularly good on the role of the black Union troops, many of whom lost their lives that day. Those collections that already have the subject covered need not add this one, but recommended where there's need.
Reviewed by Edwin B. Burgess , Oct 15, 2010
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