Dr. Timothy Smith, a lecturer in the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of History and Philosophy, released his newest book, “The Real Horse Soldiers: Benjamin Grierson’s Epic 1863 Civil War Raid Through Mississippi,” in October.

“The Real Horse Soldiers” is a modern, academic study of one of the most well-known Civil War efforts conducted by Union cavalry general Benjamin Grierson that discusses the horse soldiers’ raid on the Confederacy. Published by Savas Beatie publishing company, Smith’s book is the first deeply researched study on the topic in six years.

“This was one of the most fun books I’ve ever written, not only because it is such a neglected topic, but also because it allowed me to work on the history of my native state of Mississippi,” said Smith. “I grew up in the very areas discussed in the book, so that made it doubly fun to research and write, and I’m convinced this made it a better book. An intimate knowledge of the subject and, in this case, geography and terrain are especially important to writing history.”

Smith has written, edited and co-edited eighteen books, including the award-winning titles “Champion Hill: Decisive Battle for Vicksburg,” “Corinth 1862: Siege, Battle Occupation” and “Shiloh: Conquer or Perish.” His awards include the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters’ nonfiction book award, the Fletcher Pratt Award, the McLemore Prize, the Richard B. Harwell Award and the Tennessee History Book Award, among others. Smith is also the recipient of the 2009-2010 UT Martin Online Teacher of the Year Award. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Memphis as well as a doctorate from Mississippi State University.

Smith is currently working on a book about the May 19 and 22 Vicksburg assaults.

For more information, contact Smith at <a href="mailto:tims@utm.edu">tims@utm.edu</a>.

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