"A most-welcome and needed addition to the growing field of literature on the Vicksburg campaign, and it is essential to an overall understanding of the campaign for control of the Mississippi River. Equally important, his smooth-flowing narrative is a delight to read."--Journal of Military History "Early Struggles for Vicksburg is, at its core, a comprehensive, entertainingly written campaign study that, in the tradition of the best New Military History, lets the manuscript sources guide its narrative. Consequently, it should become the standard text on the subject."--Journal of Southern History "Early Struggles for Vicksburg is a detailed, fast-paced, and easy read, combining compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, both good popular military history and excellent scholarly military history, and is highly recommended."--New York Military Affairs Symposium "Early Struggles for Vicksburg unquestionably provides us with the best researched and most closely detailed account yet published of a complex series of events that proved to be on of the bleaker moments of Grant's early-war career."--Civil War Books and Authors "Timothy Smith continues his epic study of the Vicksburg campaign with release of Early Struggles for Vicksburg: The Mississippi Central Campaign and Chickasaw Bayou, October 25-December 31, 1862. In his previous volumes on the Battle of Champion Hill, the Union assaults on May 19 and 22, 1863, and the siege itself, Smith has risen to the pinnacle of Vicksburg historians.

When coupled with his other works on Forts Henry and Donelson and Shiloh, the author demonstrates his mastery of the complex land and naval operations for control of the Mississippi River--which the modern Army has termed 'the most brilliant campaign ever waged on American soil.' This volume is classic Smith--clear, concise, and smoothly written. Based on exhaustive research, he weaves the words of the men in blue and gray into a narrative that the novice and serious student alike will find a delight to read. Very well done!"--Terrence J. Winschel, historian (ret.), Vicksburg National Military Park and author of Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign, Vols. 1-2.