John Reeves (Books)

John Reeves Books

John Reeves has dedicated over twenty-five years to teaching, editing, and writing. His passion lies particularly with the Civil War, a fascination sparked in his youth by seminal historical works. Reeves's insightful articles, notably on Robert E. Lee, have graced the pages of prominent publications. Throughout his academic career, he taught European and American history at the college level, exploring pivotal historical events and their ramifications. Reeves is committed to making history vibrant and accessible for general readers and students alike, with his future work focusing on the Battle of the Wilderness.

A Fire in the Wilderness: The First Battle Between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee

500 pages
18 hours of reading

In the spring of 1864, President Lincoln feared that he might not be able to save the Union. The Army of the Potomac had performed poorly over the previous two years, and many Northerners were understandably critical of the war effort. Lincoln assumed he'd lose the November election, and he firmly believed a Democratic successor would seek peace immediately, spelling an end to the Union. A Fire in the Wilderness tells the story of that perilous time when the future of the United States depended on the Union Army's success in a desolate forest roughly sixty-five miles from the nation's capital.