I have written before of my late father's fascination with Civil War -- and, in particular, Gettysburg -- history. Among his books after his death, I found a slim copy of Michael A. Riley's 'For God's Sake, Forward!' General John F. Reynolds, USA, a biography of a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, native who marshaled Union forces -- and died, after being shot in the head by an anonymous rebel soldier -- on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Although he didn't live to see the Union's decisive victory there, Reynolds is credited by historians with setting the stage that helped craft the Union's defeat of General Lee's Confederate army. Even so, his name is not as well known as some other Gettysburg veterans, and I remember learning about him in my teens and discovering that his birthplace in Lancaster city, although marked with a small sign along West King Street, was then home to an adult book and video store. It seemed to me a shame that we didn't know more about him.

Well, Dad must have felt the same way, which explains why he apparently attended a talk given by Riley at a local bookshop in January 1996, at which time he got this book signed. Riley, a Civil War re-enactor and Gettysburg enthusiast, portrayed Reynolds in numerous reenactments, as well as serving as a consultant on Reynolds for the 1993 movie Gettysburg and acting as a double for actor John Rothman, who played Reynolds in the film. (In fact, Riley's great-grandfather, John B. Riley, served in Reynolds' first command.)

If there is any doubt that Riley was a convincing stand-in for Reynolds at Civil War-themed events, you should see the photo Dad tucked between the book's pages showing my niece and eldest nephew when they were but wee, posing with Riley as Reynolds at a local reenactment. Compare that photo to a photo of Reynolds on the book's cover; the resemblance is uncanny.

As I said, the book is slim, just about 60 pages, but Riley gives a thorough summation of Reynolds' early life, his family and his military career, which took him all over the United States and included service in the Mexican-American War and fighting Indians in the Pacific Northwest. Through it all, Reynolds earned the respect of his superior officers as well as the men he led. In 1860, he was appointed commandant of the Cadet Corps at West Point ... a post that early in his career he coveted, but by this time was "a hornet's nest" of secessionist tensions. It was also at about this time that Reynolds, a lifelong bachelor, met and fell in love with a young woman who moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to his hometown and see him when his duties permitted.

More detail is given on Reynolds' movements during the Civil War. He is given various commands and participates in numerous battles, and he again earned the respect and admiration of his peers and his soldiers. He does suffer some frustrations, at times railing against decisions made by more timid commanders, and at one point he is summoned back to Pennsylvania to lead a reluctant militia, an assignment that is thankfully short-lived.

By all accounts, Reynolds proved himself to be a bold commander, with a keen, strategic mind. Significantly, President Lincoln offered Reynolds overall command of the Army of the Potomac, a post Reynolds declined on principle, unwilling to cede military decisions to politicians. When the position went instead to a subordinate general, George Meade, Reynolds acted under him as a division commander and was among Meade's closest advisers.

At Gettysburg, Reynolds' division arrived hard on the heels of Union cavalry Major General John Buford, who advised Reynolds of the situation. Reynolds then formulated the Union strategy on the first day of the three-day battle, seizing control of the strategic high ground in several key locations, and although he was shot and killed before the day ended, his tactical acumen certainly had a lot to do with the Union victory.

Riley tells the story briefly but thoroughly, and his admiration for Reynolds is obvious, but not overwhelming, in the text. The detail provided in this concise biography is astounding, and it's presented in a fascinating narrative that leaves readers with an in-depth understanding of Reynolds' life and the vital importance of his service.