New Release book

Just received this press release and also have received a review copy of the book. I'll have a review up soon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For immediate release

ACU Press Releases New Civil War Biography

ABILENE, TX (January 25, 2010)—Abilene Christian University Press announces the release of a newly revised historical biography: B. P. Gallaway's, THE RAGGED REBEL: A COMMON SOLDIER IN W. H. PARSONS' TEXAS CAVALRY, 1861–1865.

THE RAGGED REBEL chronicles the true story of David Carey Nance-- a young, Northern-born Texas farmer-- who opposed slavery but got caught up in the carnage of the Civil War as a soldier in a Texas Cavalry. After enlisting against his father's will, Nance initially reveled in the camaraderie and excitement of military life, but his romantic concepts were quickly dismantled by the grim realities of deprivation, sickness, and the horrors of armed combat.

Author and historian B. P. Gallaway spent fourteen years preparing this delightfully written, well-documented narrative. He draws on Nance’s journals and letters to allow readers to experience much of the story first-hand. The narrative voice is one of sensitivity, who is a deeply religious farm boy, fighting for survival amid wartime conditions in the frontier regions of the western Confederacy. Gallaway's work not only reveals the day-to-day experiences of a common soldier in the core regiment of perhaps the most famous brigade in the Trans-Mississippi West, but also provides valuable insights into the military operations of mounted troops west of the river.

The book has already received excellent praise from historians and reviewers:

Frank H. Smyrl, in the Journal of American History calls THE RAGGED REBEL “. . . a small jewel of Civil War history well worth reading.”

Anne J. Bailey, in Southwestern Historical Quarterly states, “David Nance's personality animates this volume . . . Gallaway has provided an important source in nineteenth-century social history.”

And James Smallwood, in Civil War History writes, “Gallaway is a professional historian who brings a scholar's touch to RAGGED REBEL. Readers receive a ’bird’s eye’ view of an autobiography, yet also acquire the analytical overview of a master biographer.”

Combining peer-reviewed research with a flair for narrative, Gallaway has crafted a volume that is sure to entertain while it educates. ACU Press is excited to deliver the new, revised edition, which features a new introduction from the author, several historic photos, and a beautiful cover with original art by Southwestern artist Jodie Boren.

THE RAGGED REBEL is available from acupressbooks.com and other fine book sellers.

About the Author
B. P. Gallaway is emeritus professor of history at Abilene Christian University. His other publications include Texas, the Dark Corner of the Confederacy. He currently lives in Abilene, Texas.

About the Publisher
ACU Press, a part of Abilene Christian University, hails from Abilene, Texas. Naturally tied to its home state, the Press seeks to enjoy and give back to the state it calls home by publishing a developing line of Texas regional titles. With this line of books, they hope to support the work of local scholars and organizations, celebrate with their neighbors, and invite readers across the nation to see what this wonderful hardscrabble land has to offer. The Press is currently acquiring more titles in this area