Blog Review: Rantings of a Civil War Historian

http://civilwarcavalry.com/

Eric Wittenberg’s blog, Rantings of a Civil War Historian: The Worldview of a Civil War Historian, Publisher, and Practicing Lawyer, provides an educational, insightful, and frequently humorous look at the vibrant world of Civil War history. Thousands of books have been written about the American Civil War, and for many in this country, the war never actually ended.

The writer of the blog, Eric Wittenberg, is a practicing lawyer in Ohio who has devoted much of his free time to studying the Civil War. To date, he has written fourteen books on the subject, particularly focusing on the cavalry. While the cavalry appeared to be his reason for starting the blog back in September of 2005, it has grown to encompass a wide variety of subjects. He occasionally writes posts of forgotten and intriguing cavalrymen, such as the January 16, 2008 post concerning the eccentric Colonel Sir Percy Wyndham. Some of his most hilarious posts come in response to “neo-Confederate” postings on other blogs (“neo-Confederates” being modern-day supporters of the Confederate cause, often adhering to the “Lost Cause” mythology, who fail to recognize that the Civil War ended more than a few years ago). Wittenberg’s posts vary day by day, however, and include a vast assortment of topics from the historical world. His January 10, 2008 post involved a plea to the governor of Ohio (his home state) to emulate Michigan in their acknowledgement of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, explaining to Governor Ted Strickland that “given the fact that Ohio’s contributions to the Civil War dwarf those of Michigan…isn’t it time for Ohio to do something to honor this state’s contributions to the war?”

Wittenberg updates this blog almost daily, and his humorous yet extremely knowledgeable perspective on the subject matter make it an entertaining read. He clearly is quite the blog-reader himself, and links over twenty other blogs from his own site. The blog also includes a list of other sites of interest, ranging from the expected sites on the Civil War, to those on the American Revolution, and even a site to IPod accessories and Wittenberg’s own law firm.
The blog is very clear and easy to follow, and offers a wealth of Civil War history. The author posts pictures when appropriate, and frequently links to postings on other blogs if he sees fit. Rantings of a Civil War Historian seems to have quite the readership, as Wittenberg posted on December 31, 2007, “we had 265 posts and 1,737 comments this year, meaning that 2007 was a productive year ‘round these parts. Thanks to all who make this site part of your daily ritual.” The blog appears to target well-informed Civil War buffs, as many post insightful comments and can go head-to-head with Wittenberg in a debate.

This is a well-written, informative, and entertaining blog to follow. Wittenberg provides a vast assortment of post topics, and updates at least on a weekly basis (but often more frequently). The site is thorough and well-organized, and definitely worth perusing for anyone interested in Civil War scholarship.