Ouachita’s Chris Mortenson authors Civil War biography of general Lew Wallace
February 18, 2019
- Rachel MorenoOuachita Baptist University’s Dr. Christopher Mortenson, chair of the Department of History, released his first authored book on Jan. 17, 2019, titled “Politician in Uniform: General Lew Wallace and the Civil War.” Published by the University of Oklahoma Press, the book was listed by Amazon.com upon its release as the number one new book in the genre of Midwest U.S. biographies.
Mortenson’s subject, Lew Wallace, is known as a Civil War general and for his negotiations
with William H. Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid, during the Lincoln County Wars
of 1878-81. Wallace also is famous for writing the novel “Ben Hur,” which became a
bestseller in America and has since been adapted into 1959 and 2016 films.
According to Amazon.com, Mortenson’s book differs from other biographies about Wallace:
“Where previous accounts have sought to discredit or defend Wallace’s performance
as a general in the war, author Christopher R. Mortenson takes a more nuanced approach.
Combining military biography, historical analysis and political insight, ‘Politician
in Uniform’ provides an expanded and balanced view of Wallace’s military career – and
offers the reader a new understanding of the experience of a voluntary general like
Lew Wallace.”
“Anyone interested in the Civil War, U.S. Army politics or generalship would hopefully
enjoy the book,” said Mortenson, associate professor of history at Ouachita. “While
the work focuses on questions asked by professional military historians about the
qualities of good officers and the relationships between professional and political
generals, the lay public will also enjoy a story about an interesting man whose temperamental
nature often led to troubles that hurt his career – only to become very famous for
other accomplishments later in life.”
It was Mortenson’s interests in both the Civil War and General Wallace that resulted
in this biography.
“Wallace was a complicated fellow; he could be very effective as an officer, in certain
circumstances, but then would botch the next assignment,” Mortenson said. “He desired
acknowledgement as a professional soldier but also disdained the culture of West Pointers
with whom he worked.”
Mortenson also is releasing a second book, “Daily Life of U.S. Soldiers: From the
American Revolution to the Iraq War,” which he co-edited with historian Paul J. Springer.
It is a three-volume reference work that explores the lives of American soldiers – as
well as the role of minorities and women – with each chapter focusing on an American
war and addressing topics such as recruitment, training, weaponry, compensation and
the myriad issues of veterans. “Daily Life of U.S. Soldiers” is set to release June
30, 2019.
Mortenson earned a Ph.D. in history from Texas A&M University, an M.A. from the University
of Nebraska-Kearney and a B.A. from Cornell College. He has served on faculty at Ouachita
since 2008.
For more information, contact Katie Baker, publicity manager at University of Oklahoma
Press, at [email protected] or (405) 325-3200.
By Rachel Moreno
February 18, 2019
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