"Nothing short of a magnum opus."—Civil War History
"Castel’s well-written and absorbing study may well stand as the definitive battle narrative of the Atlanta campaign."—American Historical Review
"A model for the writing of military history."—Journal of American History
"[Castel] provides a sweeping and richly detailed narrative of the entire campaign from the initial maneuvers around Dalton in the spring to the capture of Atlanta in September. . . . A superb treatment of the Atlanta campaign that should remain the standard account for a very long time."—Journal of Southern History
Castel’s research and understanding of the campaign are unmatchable. Decision in the West will be the standard account for many years to come, and should be considered on of the premier Civil War campaign studies."—Journal of Military History
"A powerful, provocative, ground-breaking account of the Atlanta campaign of 1864."—Register of the Kentucky Historical Society
"Several sections offer detailed yet lucid descriptions of the mechanics of combat, tactics, marching, and logistics in the Civil War. The author also ably places the Atlanta campaign in the wider context of the campaigns of 1864, political as well as military, for the fate of Abraham Lincoln’s bid for reelection would be decided on the battlefield as well as at the ballot box."—Florida Historical Quarterly
"One of the most important and original books on the Civil War published in the past decade. This book is richly detailed and massively researched. Its sharply revisionist interpretation of William T. Sherman is bound to arouse much controversy. All serious students of the Civil War will want to read it."—David Herbert Donald, author of Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War
"Almost everything in this book is new or in some way ground breaking. It will immediately become the standard study of the campaign. The research is impeccable. A magnificent effort."—William C. Davis, author of Jefferson Davis: The Man and His Hour and former editor of Civil War Times Illustrated
"This is the fullest and most intelligible study of the Atlanta campaign that we have or are likely ever to have. The writing is lively, the research exhaustive, the interpretations sometimes provocative but always perceptive. This is how military history should be written."—James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Era of the Civil War
"Military history at its best by one of America’s leading historians of the Civil War. With dramatic flair and authentic detail in a fast-paced and suspenseful narrative, Castel brings the Atlanta campaign to life, penetrating the minds of the commanders as well as the thoughts of the common soldiers."—Robert W. Johannsen, author of Lincoln, the South, and Slavery: The Political Dimension
Of the many Civil War titles published each year, very few stand heads taller than the rest. This is such a book. Exhaustively researched, richly detailed, and told in the present tense, it has brought to life all the participants, from private to general. Incorporating both primary and secondary sources, Castel ( The Presidency of Andrew Johnson , LJ 9/1/79) provides an objective perspective seldom equaled, giving full and balanced treatment to both Union and Confederate armies through the use of new accounts and analyses of major events. Along the way, he corrects many mistakes and dispels longstanding myths. In particular, he challenges the standard view of Sherman's performance. This is an important, original book that will immediately become the standard study of the campaign. Highly recommended for most libraries. History Book Club selection.-- David Lee Poremba, Detroit P.L.
Writing in the present tense for realism and immediacy, Castel demonstrates how the capture of Atlanta by Sherman's army occurred and why it assured Northern victory in the Civil War. He gives a full and balanced treatment to the operations of the Union and Confederate armies from the perspective of the common soldiers as well as the top generals, and offers new accounts and analyses of many of the major events of the campaign. Includes 55 photographs and 18 maps. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)