This book was edited by Frank E. Vandiver, published in 1947, the narrative is 186 pages and is illustrated with black and white photos. The first and only printing of this scarce book. Although the original diary was begun in 1857 and extended through 1877, the Civil War years are the only ones treated in this volume. It was written for his eldest son, William, as a guide for his passage into manhood. Gorgas was a genius whose sound judgement and organizational ability allowed the Confederacy to fight on longer than expected. The strength of this diary goes beyond his first hand account of life in war torn Richmond and the various battles he participated in. More important is his personal insight into the prosecution of the war and his opinions of the Confederate hierarchy, including Jefferson Davis. As chief of ordnance for the Southern army, Gorgas produced some amazing results. He found a substitute for leather, fulminate of mercury, and copper; he found new sources for such scarce materials as nitre, lead, and sulphur and he dealt successfully with great dilapidated railroads. Gorgas had the ability to choose his subordinates with great skill. This hard book is in very good, used condition, but has no dust cover.

Item # AA2116