Some generals were brave but incompetent while others were skilled but victims of their own egos. Sears is a popular author whose work is filled with insight and wry humor. He has written 10 superb essays focusing on the leadership controversies that plagued the Union army. Scandals, conspiracies, and backbiting among general officers caused more hostility behind the lines than on the battlefield. Sadly, such conflicts often were paid for with the blood of common soldiers.
High command can reveal a man's character flaws.
Sears begins with Gen. George B. McClellan, whose arrogance and feud with Lincoln caused his army to be ill-used and poorly led. Sears argues that Hooker wasn't drunk or paralyzed at the Battle of Chancellorsville but a victim of his own self-promotion and opponents. Sickles serves as a scary lesson in what happens when an egocentric braggart is given responsibility for others. According to Sears, Sickles was a man ill-suited for wearing a uniform. Once again, Sears does a careful job of portraying leaders as flawed men.