What would you say about a 17-year-old Civil War historian? One who has published multiple books and won a couple of prizes in his short career? This article touches lightly on his background:

In addition, Northeast Ohio author Brian Jordan will be at the museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sign copies of his new book, Triumphant Mourner: The Tragic Dimension of Franklin Pierce. The 17-year old author and historian is the recipient of awards from the Civil War Preservations Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Congratulations to this youth; I wish him every success. More children should try their hand in this field.

* Normally complex human relations rarely rise above the understanding of a 17-year-old in Civil War histories.

* Normally complex human motivations rarely rise above the understanding of a 17-year-old in Civil War histories.

* Normally complex political-military interactions rarely rise above the understanding of a 17-year-old in Civil War histories.

* Normally ambiguous outcomes are generally portrayed in black and white in Civil War histories.

This field is ideal for 17-year-old writers. In fact, Master Jordan has already gotten bored enough with it to move on to topics demanding more nuance and insight.