New Book by Dennis Urban

[RJNorton]

Congratulations to forum member, Dennis Urban, on his new book coming out.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CIVIL WAR BOOK RELEASE AUGUST 15
BY NEW ACADEMIA PUBLISHING

Title: The Making of a Civilian Soldier in the Civil War; The First Diary of Private William J. McLean Along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Affair at Edwards Ferry

Author: Dennis D. Urban

Book Description:
Much more than a simple diary transcription, the work describes the early family history of a young man, a brother, and a father; all who answered Lincoln’s call for volunteers. Researched over many years, this work adds significant new information to the history of the storied 34th New York Infantry.

This well-researched work is built around the first diary written by Pvt. William J. McLean, 34th New York Infantry, beginning with his enlistment. William records his wanderings, adventures, and thoughts from the time he leaves Fairfield, NY, through his traveling to Washington, DC, his adventures in the city, and while picketing along the C&O Canal in the Great Falls and Seneca areas of Montgomery County, MD. He writes of the first death of a soldier in his regiment, the excitement over Bull Run, and an incursion into rebel-infested Virginia.

The opening chapter is the intriguing search to identify the diarist. Another early chapter describes antebellum Herkimer County, NY, the town of Fairfield, and the academy in which William was a student and teacher. The diary chapters are the entries between May and early October 1861. William mentions many of his regimental friends and back home acquaintances. Chapter notes provide specifics of each individual which lend context to the reader. His detailed descriptions of camp life, adventures in camp and on picket duty, paint a clear picture of everyday life for a young volunteer learning to be a soldier. Additional annotated information includes never before published first person accounts of several startling incidents of war. The concluding chapters review the actions of the 34th at Edward’s Ferry (part of the Balls Bluff debacle), McLean’s effort to correct his military and pension records, and finally the post-war years of William, his brother, and his father. A must read for Civil War enthusiasts.

[JMadonna]

Congrats Dennis

[Steve]

Congratulations, Dennis!

[Susan Higginbotham]

Congratulations! Diaries are such great resources.

[Steve]

(07-19-2019 11:03 AM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote:  Congratulations! Diaries are such great resources.

Agreed! Also, it looks the book goes into a pension dispute by McLean and pension records are great resources as well.

[Dennis Urban]

(07-19-2019 12:41 PM)Steve Wrote:  

(07-19-2019 11:03 AM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote:  Congratulations! Diaries are such great resources.

Agreed! Also, it looks the book goes into a pension dispute by McLean and pension records are great resources as well.

Steve, the book covers the pension dispute in a chapter and all letters between McLean and the Pension Bureau are in the book. The back and forth is fascinating! Thanks for your comments and congrats.

[Steve]

Will your book be available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble?

[Dennis Urban]

(07-19-2019 02:41 PM)Steve Wrote:  Will your book be available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble?

Steve, the book will be available on both sites but I am unsure as to when since the release date is August 15. I do not know how that works; the Publisher decides that. I checked Amazon yesterday and it was not yet listed. If you have trouble let me know and I'll intercede.

[Steve]

Thanks, I'll look for it in August.

[Dennis Urban]

Because my book has been placed on the online NetGalley platform and appears on the NetGalley Title Page, the actual release date will be October 15. NetGalley is an innovative online service that delivers digital galleys (a book proof meant for review) to professional reviewers, media, booksellers, educators, etc. The service gives such folks three months to review a new work. Some of our authors may be familiar with this service. I was not previously familiar with the site. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other mass marketers will list the book sometime around the October date. In the meantime, my publisher, New Academia Publishing, agreed to take direct orders (orders@newacademia.com). I hope this eliminates any confusion for those who do not see my book listed on mass market sites earlier.

[Steve]

Thanks for the update, Ill look for it in October!

[Steve]

I found the NetGalley page for Dennis's book:

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/170399

[Dennis Urban]

My book is now listed for advance orders on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Release date for those sites is October 8. Book is listed on the publisher's website (newacademia.com) under nonfiction and excerpts are available for reading. As mentioned earlier, the publisher will honor individual orders (orders @newacademia.com). Thank you all for checking.

[Dennis Urban]

The new official release date of my book is moved up to September 17, the anniversary of the Antietam battle. This date is reflected on the sites of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million as the shipping date for advance orders. The book can also be ordered and shipped without delay from the publisher, New Academia Publishing, at newacademia.com.

[ELCore]

Awesome.