David A. Welker's 3 favorite reads in 2023

As an avid Civil War history reader, I’m always looking for books containing unique insights and information, something out-of-the-ordinary that fills my knowledge gaps and deepens my understanding of this important era in American history – and Arming the Union provides that and more! 

Admittedly, this is a niche book, but for those who love Civil War history, it’s a hidden gem. I particularly loved that Davis took what could have been a dry, academic treatise and instead wrote an engaging book that answers long-asked questions. 

Why didn’t the Union rearm its troops with repeating weapons? Why didn’t reliable, faster-firing breach loaders quickly replace the dated, cumbersome muzzle-loaded muskets and much more? 

I also love that it exposes the truth behind some long-held myths and legends; for example, the famous Civil War “Minnie ball” was not invented by Napoleon’s Swiss Captain Claude Minie, but rather one created by a Virginian who served the Confederacy! 

Readers never know when they will be treated to another bit of fascinating wisdom like this, which makes this book worth reading.

Just one of many outstanding things about this book is that it tells a complex story in a readable, engaging, easily understood way. 

Making the book even more enjoyable, it weaves together the personal stories of four people who played vital, but often ignored, roles in advancing Union victory in the Civil War. It also shows that intelligence officers operating unappreciated in the shadows is nothing new. 

Moving chronologically, Waller also tells a secondary story of the contribution their intelligence played in the war’s course and outcome. Another fun, fascinating part of this volume is that it quietly links several of these persons’ stories together when they meet briefly or when their efforts overlap. 

Sometimes, reading like a spy story, that these are all factual, true accounts, makes Waller’s book that much more enjoyable.

I love that this book is a great way to enjoy a sea story while learning something new. That is, it answers a great, overlooked question of the American Revolution – how did the Colonies keep their economies alive after breaking from England, their major trading partner? 

This hidden gem tells the story of how New Jersey privateers—commercial vessels operating like warships—kept goods flowing to and from the mid-Atlantic colonies while also depriving England of profits from these voyages.

Best of all, however, is that much of this great book reads like a series of rollicking sea stories, with ship chases, battles, and daring actions that make it in places like a page-turning novel.