Synopsis
A timely reexamination of the career of Robert E. Lee and his relations with his subordinates includes a study of Lost Cause interpretations of the war that argue that Lee and Stonewall Jackson were flawless warriors hurt by inept generals. UP.
Reviews
Gallagher is as much concerned with historiography as with history in these essays, and those who know a little about the schools of Civil War historians and want to know more may be most pleased by them. Gallagher provides balanced assessments of Lee, Jackson, Jubal Early, Confederate strategy, the cult of the "Lost Cause," and several other topics on which ink is now spilled as industriously as blood once was on the war's battlefields. Of particular interest to more general readers will be the discussion of Ken Burns' magisterial PBS series The Civil War, which Gallagher primarily faults for placing too much emphasis on the war's eastern theater, not for overemphasizing the battles. Indeed, Gallagher is an implacable foe of those who would eliminate battles and soldiers from the history of wars and have gone so far as to support eliminating battlefield historical sites because such places allegedly bespeak pro-Confederate bias. Highly recommended for the advanced Civil War buff. Roland Green
This volume samples the writings of one of the leading scholars of Confederate military history. Gallagher (American history, Univ. of Virginia) has written extensively about the Army of Northern Virginia and its generals, including its commander, Robert E. Lee. Although properly appreciative of the military skill of the army and its generals, he also offers critical analysis and assessment, and he is well aware of how postwar writings romanticized the Lost Cause and distorted our understanding of events. All but one of these essays have appeared before in print in periodicals, scholarly journals, or as a chapter in a book of essays; the new chapter is a loosely focused discussion of the debate over Confederate symbols and images joined to a defense or battlefield preservation. Readers who enjoy Gallagher's work will welcome the convenience offered by having many of his essays gathered in one place; it is best read in conjunction with the author's compilation Lee the Soldier (LJ 4/15/96).?Brooks D. Simpson, Arizona State Univ., Tempe
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