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Dr. Michael R. Bradley has spent decades studying, teaching, and writing about the Civil War—and few people know the war in Tennessee better.

In this INTERVIEWSDAY offering, Dr. Bradley joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about Nathan Bedford Forrest, historical memory, and the importance of returning to the original evidence behind familiar stories.

We begin with his forthcoming book, tentatively titled Wizard of the Saddle, but Not of the Klan, which reexamines the traditional account connecting Forrest with the Ku Klux Klan.

From there, our conversation travels across Tennessee—from Fort Pillow and Johnsonville to Parker’s Crossroads, Fort Donelson, Hoover’s Gap, and Chickamauga. Along the way, we discuss battlefield terrain, conflicting historical accounts, the dangers of judging the past only through the standards of the present, and the importance of logistics in determining the outcome of a war.

🎙️ Guest

Dr. Michael R. Bradley taught United States history at Motlow State Community College for thirty-six years and has written extensively about the Civil War in Tennessee.

Questions about his work may be sent to:

📧 michaelrbradley@lighttube.net

Information about Wizard of the Saddle, but Not of the Klan will be shared through The Tennessee History NerdFacebook page as it becomes available.

🎙️ Credits

Hosted by Big John Summers
Produced by Summers Media Enterprises
Music by Big John Summers

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