Earl J. Hess
Earl J. Hess grew up on a farm in Missouri and developed a deep interest in Civil War history. He got his Ph.D. in history and American studies at Purdue University, and most of his teaching career has been at Lincoln Memorial University, an independent Appalachian college in Harrogate, Tennessee. Researching and writing is a passion of his; Hess has written or edited twenty-eight books on Civil War history. One of them, Civil War Infantry Tactics: Training, Combat, and Small-Unit Effectiveness (Louisiana State University Press, 2015), received the Tom Watson Brown Book Award from the Society of Civil War Historians. In addition to this Civil War work, Hess and his wife, Pratibha Dabholkar, have worked in the area of film history. They wrote two books on Gene Kelly films (Singin’ in the Rain: The Making of an American Masterpiece, University Press of Kansas, 2009, and The Cinematic Voyage of the Pirate: Kelly, Garland, and Minnelli at Work, University of Missouri Press, 2014), plus a deep biography of the man most responsible for making these two iconic films, Gene Kelly: The Making of a Creative Legend, (University Press of Kansas, 2020). Exploring the history of cinema and of dance on film has been a delightful diversion from studying war for Hess.
Ten Things I Can’t Do Without
- The love and support of my wife
- The right kind of books
- Primary sources, all I can get
- Peace
- Enough thoughtful and caring people to make the world safe to live in
- Something sweet to eat now and then
- Morning tea and bagels
- Trees
- In fact, lots of growing things
- More sweet things to eat
Can you please provide me with Mr. Hess’s e-mail address so I can communicate with him concerning reviewing his newest title on Atlanta that was published in January by University Press of Kansas. I have a few questions for Mr. Hess.
Good afternoon Dr. Hess. I had the pleasure to meet you in Gettysburg, Pa. a few years ago at a CWI at Gettysburg College. In fact I showed you one of my published book reviews. I have had the pleasure to write book reviews of a few of your many outstanding books. I would love to review; July 22nd: The Civil War Battle of Atlanta that was published last January, 2023 by University Press of Kansas. My book review editor, Al Nofi of NYMAS has contacted your publisher multiple times to receive a hardcover copy to review but has not received a book or a communication. Recently , I retired from teaching so it is difficult pay the expensive prices for Civil War titles like July 22nd: The Civil War Battle of Atlanta.
Can you please send me a copy to David Marshall, 15146 SW 108 Terrace, Miami, Florida 33196-2512?
I will be glad to have my review published.
Please advise and continued success. Hope this title and all of your books exceed sales expectations.
Perhaps you might be interested in making a presentation on this great book in March 2026 to my Miami CWRT. I am the President and it would be a great honor to have you speak to my group of enthusiasts.
Please advise and communicate with me at my e-mail: moustacheman50@earthlink.net