Escape from Libby Prison

by James Gindlesperger

On February 9, 1864, 109 Union officers escaped from the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond by means of a tunnel, dug with only minimal tools. This escape was one of the most dramatic in military... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0942597915
• ISBN13: 9780942597912
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Burd Street Press
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Tremendous Book

Gindlesperger has done a tremendous job of recreating the exciting Civil War escape of 109 Union officers from Richmond's notorious Libby Prison. His book is carefully researched and skillfully written. Another reviewer criticized Gindlesperger's use of dialogue. However, I felt that the dialogue was essential to the book. Since I am a historian and writer myself, I was acutely conscious of the difficulties of trying to portray life in Libby prison. The lives and activities of the captured Union officers were so circumscribed that the book couldn't be all action and adventure. Yet given the limitations of the subject, Gindlesperger has created character and drama through dialogue while telling an intriguing tale. My only criticism of the book, and it is a small one, is that I would have liked the extensive bibliography to have separated the primary and secondary sources.

Outstanding!

While the gentleman from California is entitled to his opinion, I personally fine myself to be his polar opposite. I thought this book was an outstanding portrayal of conditions at the time of the escape. I have lived in Virginia all my life, and I can assure the Californian that y'all is used both in the singular and plural. If y'all don't believe me, come to Virginia and listen to people ask if y'all had a good trip, or if y'all want another cup of coffee in a restaurant. I found the dialogue to be highly accurate. As for discussing northern prisons, why should that even come up when the story is about an escape from a southern prison. I didn't think Gindelsberger made any apologies or excuses for any of the northern prisons the Californian mentioned. Overall, I think the book was extremely well researched, well written, and from all the reviews I've read (except Mr. California's) well received by historians and the general public.

Outstanding Work!

Picked up both of the author's books at a symposium afterhearing him speak. His talk was great, but didn't (or couldn't?) dothis book justice. The further I read the more I wanted to read. I hated to put the book down to go to eat, and those who know me know how much I enjoy eating! It is one of the best and most readable books I have in my collection, and I can't wait for the movie to come out. Thanks, Mr. Gindelsberger, for writing this outstanding book.

Outstanding account of important Civil War event!

I don't know what book Kirkus Reviews read, but the one I read was OUTSTANDING. If ever a book should be made into a movie, this is the one. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in human drama.