Little Phil: A Reassessment of the Civil War Leadership of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan
An excellent book . . . Wittenberg presents an original and provocative case. . . .Little Philhas raised questions that will make the readers think, and no future biography of Sheridan can be written without addressing them."Well-written, thoroughly researched, and provocative."A book that deserves a serious read."Wittenberg has challenged the accepted judgments about Sheridan’s generalship. He seeks to lead us to a different interpretation, and by doing so, has written a stimulating book that is well worth reading."Penned by a leading historian of civil war cavalry operations, Eric Wittenberg’s unflinching reassessment of Sheridan is guaranteed to stir controversy. Readers might disagree with this scathing portrait of the Union commander, but Wittenberg’s extensive research and well-honed presentation requires critics to give his arguments serious consideration. A must-read for civil war enthusiasts."Little Philprovides a welcome riposte to the considerable body of pro-Sheridan literature already available. Often using the general’s own words, Wittenberg skewers Sheridan on a variety of topics, most particularly the pertinent fields of generalship and personal integrity. This will go far toward stripping Philip H. Sheridan of his unwarranted reputation as one of the war’s Great Captains."As a public historian and preservationist who has interpreted many of General Sheridan’s battlefields for nearly thirty years, I can certainly tell you that others view him as a person you either love or hate. There seems to be no middle ground. After reading Eric Wittenberg’s thought-provoking study, one can understand why Sheridan is such a polarizing figure. This lively reevaluation of the general’s personality and career makes a fine addition to Wittenberg’s previous scholarship on the Federal cavalry."A rewarding book, for it is well researched, written, organized, and argued. . . . Although Wittenberg's thesis is controversial and many readers will disagree with his evaluation of Sheridan's military abilities, the book is thought-provoking and should be read by all of those interested in the Civil War, expecially those who study cavalry operations and Civil War generalship. . . . This is an excellent book that is certain to stir debate on one of the Union's most famous commanders."A splendid study of one of America's military icons . . . The scholarship, research, and manner in which [the author] presented his evidence has produced a work that is easy to read and understand. . . . Eric J. Wittenberg'sLittle Philis a desirable book for any scholar of the 'late unpleasantness.'"Little Philprovides a strong and convincing indictment of Sheridan's record, and anyone reading it will certainly question Sheridan's stellare reputation . . . . Wittenberg's work provides a well-researched and interesting revisionist account of General Philip Sheridan that should be read by anyone with an interest in Sheridan, the Union cavalry, or the Shenandoah Valley campaign.