Civil War Generals in Defeat (Modern War Studies)
This collection of case studies argues that success as the standard of merit in combat distorts an objective appraisal of the pivotal decisions made in battle. In provocative essays examining the careers of Union generals George B. McClellan, Don Carlos Buell, and Joseph Hooker and Confederates Albert Sidney Johnston, Joseph E. Johnston, and John C. Pemberton, editor Woodworth (Jefferson Davis and His Generals, LJ 7/90) provides a deeper understanding of the two armies. The reasons for rebel and federal military failures offered here are surprisingly uniform: formidable antagonists, difficulties with subordinates and superiors, the inability to read and adapt to changing battle conditions, a lack of resources, conflicting military philosophies, and low morale. A final chapter demonstrates how Gen. George G. Meade overcame some of these difficulties while his counterpart Robert E. Lee fell victim to spotty intelligence, staff recalcitrance, and personal indecision. The essays are authoritative and engagingly written. Recommended for Civil War buffs as well as public and academic libraries.AJohn Carver Edwards, Univ. of Georgia Libs., AthensCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.