This work presents a compelling account of the Civil War. It follows the narrative of a man who witnessed it from the beginning, always in the center of the action. When the war broke out in April 1861, G. Moxley Sorrel worked as a bank clerk in Savannah. He left this job to watch Fort Sumter fall, then offered his services to the new Confederacy. He found himself working as a staff officer for James Longstreet, then a brigade commander, in no time. It was the start of a long and beneficial partnership that lasted till the war's end. Published posthumously, this work comprises vivid descriptions of his thrilling experiences. His reminisces are easy to read, pleasant, and moving. Many critics called it one of the best portrayals of the personalities of prominent participants in the Confederacy, marked by a touch of humor and swift characterization.

In 'Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer' by Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, readers are taken on a journey through the Civil War era from the perspective of a Confederate staff officer. Sorrel's memoir provides firsthand accounts of the battles, strategies, and personal experiences during this tumultuous time in American history. Written in a concise and engaging style, the book offers a valuable glimpse into the military aspects of the conflict while also delving into the emotional and psychological toll it took on those involved. Sorrel's vivid descriptions and attention to detail make this work a must-read for anyone interested in the Civil War era literature and history. His narrative style is both informative and evocative, immersing readers in the events of the time. Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, as both a witness and participant in the Civil War, brings a unique perspective to his writing. His firsthand experiences as a staff officer lend credibility and authenticity to his accounts, making them valuable sources of historical information. Sorrel's background and insights offer readers a deeper understanding of the era and the individuals involved in the conflict. For history enthusiasts, military buffs, and anyone interested in firsthand accounts of the Civil War, 'Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer' is a compelling and informative read. Sorrel's memoir provides a valuable perspective on the events of the time, shedding light on the inner workings of the Confederate army and the personal struggles faced by its members.

Many memoirs of the Napoleonic period are recounting, more or less interesting dependant on the author, of the events of their service interspersed by anecdotes of interesting events, Elzéar Blaze eschewed that style of reminiscence and left a singular view of his time in the Grande Armée. His memoirs are highly stylised, divided into the ‘themes’ of military life, and eruditely written by an educated man of the era, who combined wit with an eye for an anecdote. He covers the different aspects of his military career with amusing stories and vivid recollections of the men with which he served, a number of the generals who commanded them, and the enemies that they were fought and were billeted on if they were in occupation; he covers the school of the Vélites, his military training, the marches, camp-life, bivouacs, active campaigning, and the battles fought under Napoleon. Blaze, like his brother, sought out a military life under the eagles of Napoleon, he enlisting in the Vélites of the Imperial Guard, his brother into the medical services of the army. The Vélites were founded as part of Napoleon’s further, ultimately unsuccessful, attempts to sway the aristocracy to fall in line and support his rule. The military tutelage in the Vélites was to be supported by private means, which translated into their ranks being filled with the scions of the nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie. Blaze fought as part of Napoleon’s invincibles from 1807 until the end of the empire, but continued his service under the returned Bourbons and retired as captain in 1828. An interesting and different view of the Grande Armée.