"[BOOK] Training, Tactics and Leadership..." Topic

Oh dear. I was asking about this book:

Training, Tactics and Leadership in the Confederate Army of Tennessee

link

Anyone read it? There are no reviews on Amazon.

Haughton's book proved to be something of a disappointment. He promises to discuss training, tactics and leadership in the Army of Tennessee. His work on the first and last of these subjects is good, but on tactics he falls far short of the mark. His contention is that the AoT remained wedded to a rigid application of linear tactics as promulgated by Scott's and especially Hardee's tactical manuals. Because of the failure of its leadership the AoT never sought to develop a tactical system that would be more flexible or innovative.

But Haughton never really delves into the question of what alternatives were available. There is no comparison of what differences or advantages there might have been between Hardee's and Casey's tactics. There is also no comparison between the way the AoT fought and what was different in the Federal forces opposing it or what was being done in the ANV.

Again and again I would put down the book in frustration as Houghton made an assertion concerning the tactical deficits to be found in the AoT and then offered nothing to flesh out his argument. He raises some very good questions, but does not really provide any answers.

Haughton's book originally caught my eye as dealing with a subject of considerable interest if one is looking at ACW tactics. At the time the price being asked by various booksellers was around $100 USD, but I found a copy from a Polish (???) book dealer for only about $15 USD including postage. At that price what Haughton offered was a reasonable deal. So if you can find a cheap copy, buy it, as it will at least give you some ideas on further research. And be prepared to be frustrated at any price.

Thanks, that's most useful.