From Publishers Weekly
This solid, informative group biography examines the five American Presidents who did military service during in the Civil War. The one professional soldier of the lot was Grant, whose wartime career is covered tersely at the book's beginning and end. The other four men-Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley-are scrutinized to a degree not matched by standard Civil War or political histories. All were volunteers; the first three commanded regiments or brigades; McKinley rose from sergeant to brevet major. Garfield was probably the ablest of the lot, exercising an independent command in Kentucky and later serving as chief of staff to Rosecrans at Chickamauga while energetically intriguing against his chief. Hayes was less conspicuous but distinguished himself in the 1864 Shenandoah Campaign; Harrison at least upheld his family name (he was the grandson of William Henry Harrison); and McKinley served as a commissary officer without lining his pockets. If the five were indeed "touched by fire," none of them burned very brightly as President, which is all the more reason for examining the time when they put on blue uniforms. Perry, whose classic The Bohemian Brigade covers Civil War correspondents, knows his territory and his people, and has a readable journalistic style. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
All chief executives during the Gilded Age volunteered for the Union in the Civil War (excluding Grover Cleveland, who paid for a substitute). Perry here recounts their war records with an eye to the subsequent electoral advertising of their bravery and patriotism. "Waving the bloody shirt," as this has been fixed in political rhetoric, the Republicans pummeled the Democrats election after election, reminding the veteran vote of Grant's capture of Fort Donelson; Rutherford Hayes' wounding at South Mountain; James Garfield's stand at the Battle of Chickamauga; and Benjamin Harrison's fighting in the battles of Atlanta. William McKinley? The supply officer's record was a bit spare, but he brought up rations under fire at Antietam, which if it did not tip that battle, yet affected the 1896 election. Though able to declaim on these battles, Civil War fans may be unacquainted with the future presidents' exact parts in them (Grant excepted, naturally). Perry, a wry storyteller, delivers the regimental-level detail that buffs crave while dusting events with the skepticism that presidential electoral campaigning invites. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Kirkus Reviews (starred review), July 1, 2003.
"well-crafted... [Perry] writes fluently and memorably... A solid overview, well suited to Civil War buffs."


Publishers Weekly, July 28, 2003.
"solid, informative . . .Perry knows his territory and his people and has a readable journalistic style"


Booklist, September 2003.
"Perry, a wry storyteller, delivers regimental-level detail that buffs crave while dusting events with skepticism that presidential electoral campaigning invites."


Library Journal, August 15, 2003.
"The chronicles of the various battles are particularly good... worthwhile reading for those who enjoy accounts of the Civil War."


San Antonio Express-News, September 21, 2003.
"an extraordinarily lucid and richly researched history... provides letters, diaries,... other sources to bring military and political details to life."


Akron Beacon Journal, October 5, 2003
"a high-quality account of the soldiers who became leaders in the Gilded Age...rousing and vibrant."


Civil War News
"A vivid and readable style...[Perry] successfully weaves the separate biographical sketches into an understandable narrative."


Military Heritage April 2004
[an] elegantly written, educational, and entertaining study.


Book Description
They were the "greatest generation" of the nineteenth century--the Civil War heroes whose exploits took them all the way to the White House. "In our youth our hearts were touched with fire." So said Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., the future Supreme Court justice, about his fellow veterans of the Civil War. The 1860s were a time much like the 1940s, when a generation of idealistic young Americans answered their country's call, and many made the supreme sacrifice to preserve freedom and liberty for all. And among the two million "boys in blue "were five soldiers whose wartime heroics would take them into national politics--a ride that would lead, in time, to the White House. In Touched with Fire, James M. Perry reintroduces us to these five men--Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. "Ruddy" Hayes, James A. "Jamie" Garfield, Benjamin "Little Ben" Harrison, and William "Mack " McKinley--who rose to the pinnacle of American life but are now largely forgotten. Drawing on diaries, letters, and other first-hand accounts, Perry recreates the battles that brought them fame and extols the courage that made them extraordinary leaders, especially under fire. The Civil War was their finest hour, and their stories form a vivid reminder of what a truly great generation can accomplish.


About the Author
James M. Perry began his journalism career at Leatherneck Magazine, and then worked for thirty-five years covering politics for the National Observer and The Wall Street Journal. He is the author of five previous books, most recently A Bohemian Brigade, about the reporters who covered the Civil War, and in 1997 he was awarded the National Press Club's Fourth Estate Award for a distinguished career in journalism.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In Touched with Fire, James M. Perry reintroduces us to these five men: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. "Ruddy" Hayes, James A. "Jamie" Garfield, Benjamin "Little Ben" Harrison, and William "Mack" McKinley. Men who - with the exception of Grant - we dimly remember. This is the story they wanted told. What mattered most to them was that they had participated in terrible, bloody events that had saved the Union.

Perry describes how Grant won undying fame at Fort Donelson and how that victory sent him inexorably on his way to the White House. Gatfield was a bit of a rogue, a fascinating, devious, and brilliant man. He conducted his own victorious campaign in the mountains of eastern Kentucky and went on to play a major role in events leading up to Chickamauga. Hayes, a good and decent man, fought in more than a dozen major battles and was wounded four times, once seriously. McKinley was just eighteen years old when he enlisted in the Army but he saw much active duty in Hayes's regiment. Harrison took part in Sherman's celebrated - and vilified - March to the Sea, and distinguished himself a number of times.

Drawing on diaries, letters, and other first-hand accounts, Perry recreates the battles that brought these men fame and extols the courage that made them extraordinary leaders, especially under fire. The Civil War was their finest hour, and Touched with Fire sheds new light on these Gilded Age presidents and makes for a vivid reminder of what a truly great generation can accomplish.

SYNOPSIS

Former political reporter Perry presents portraits of five "soldier-presidents" and the battles they fought during the Civil War. In an informal, almost hagiographic style describes the military careers of Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, and William McKinley. A final chapter briefly ruminates on their careers in the White House. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

The Washington Post

[Perry] succeeds in illuminating the character of the men who would rule over an era of unbridled wealth and breathtaking expansion. — Michael Bishop

Wall Street Journal

The stories are strong, and Mr. Perry tells them well.

Booklist

Perry, a wry storyteller, delivers regimental-level detail that buffs crave while dusting events with skepticism that presidential electoral campaigning invites.

Civil War News

A vivid and readable style...Perry successfully weaves the separate biographical sketches into an understandable narrative.

Washington Times

...Perry's fine book makes clear that the five had in fact been 'touched with fire' in their Civil War years.Read all 11 "From The Critics" >

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING