Robert J. Wynstra Wins the 2010 Dr. James I. Robertson Literary Prize for Confederate History Award for The Rashness of That Hour

PRESS RELEASE: The Rashness of That Hour by author Robert J. Wynstra was selected as the winner 2010 Dr. James I. Robertson Literary Prize for Confederate History award.

The Rashness of That Hour: Politics, Gettysburg, and the Downfall of Confederate Brigadier General
Alfred Iverson
By Robert J. Wynstra (Savas Beatie, 2010)

Chairman Lawrence Korczyk says, “Our prize committee selected Mr. Wynstra's volume due to the superb level of research, rich detail, and lively writing. We, at the Robert E. Lee Civil War Library & Research Center, congratulate Savas Beatie for publishing this excellent study. We would also like to extend our personal congratulations to Mr. Wynstra.”

The Rashness of That Hour is a deeply-researched brigade and battle history about the defeat of Iverson's brigade at Gettysburg on Day 1, one of the most popular topics Gettysburg students and readers discuss.

Drawing on a wealth of newly discovered and previously unpublished sources, the book explores the story behind one of the Civil War’s most notorious blunders. An in-depth analysis of the events at Gettysburg is balanced with an insider’s examination of a brigade that was in turmoil long before its final rendezvous with its July 1, 1863 destiny.

"I am pleased and gratified to receive such a prestigious award. I would like to thank the award committee and the Robert E. Lee Civil War Library and Research Center for selecting my book. Best of all is the confirmation that others find the story behind the demise of Alfred Iverson just as fascinating and informative as I do,” says Robert J. Wynstra.

The Dr. James I. Robertson Literary Prize for Confederate History award is named for Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr., Alumni Distinguished Professor in History at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Founded in November 1997 and funded by corporate, foundation, and individual donations, the library is staffed entirely by volunteers and is open to the public. It features one of the largest single collections of Civil War material in existence.

About Author Robert J. Wynstra

Robert J. Wynstra recently retired as a senior writer for the News and Public Affairs Office in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and a master’s degree in journalism, all from the University of Illinois.

Rob has been researching Alfred Iverson’s role in the Civil War for more than ten years. He is finishing work on a study of Robert Rodes’ Division in the Gettysburg Campaign.


The Rashness of That Hour: Politics, Gettysburg, and the Downfall of Confederate Brigadier General Alfred Iverson

By Robert J. Wynstra

List $32.95
ISBN: 978-1-932714-88-3
Published September 2010 by Savas Beatie LLC

Available at bookstores nationwide and online.

For more information, visit Savas Beatie or the The Rashness of That Hour website.