General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier

By Jeffry D. Wert

Book Overview

General James Longstreet fought in nearly every campaign of the Civil War, from Manassas (the first battle of Bull Run) to Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chickamauga, Gettysburg, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox. Yet, he was largely held to blame for the Confederacy's defeat at Gettysburg. General James Longstreet sheds new light on the controversial commander and the man Robert E. Lee called "my old war horse."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671709216
• ISBN13: 9780671709211
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 527 Pages
• Weight: 2.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

restoration of Longstreet

An excellent biography, the author's effort to clear the air on James Longstreet proves to be very successful. In a clear and well written style with good insights into his main character, Jeffry Wert did great justice to a man who was totally misunderstood during much of the latter half of the 19th century and at least during the first half of 20th century. In clearing up Longstreet's name, Wert restored an element of Civil War history back on its rightful place. Wert believes that Longstreet was the finest corps commander Lee ever had (and better then any Union corps commanders). That is a bold statement which will be debated by many. The biography was geared more toward Longstreet's military career then his personal one and although the book proves to be filled with information, its all easily consumable by a causal reader. A must have book for any Civil War library.

A Controversial Soldier

This book is an unbiased ascertainment of the performance of General James Longstreet during the Civil War. The author provides generous detail into the events and life experiences that shaped this man. This book provides significant references to facts and historical records. Most notably, while the author states his own opinions, he also provides the reader with sufficient information upon which reasonable, independent inferences may be made. There are many, often conflicting, accounts of Longstreet's performance and behavior in various Civil War books. Often times, authors refer to substantiating documentation that merely supports their particular view of this controversial figure. The true story of James Longstreet is complicated and complex. There is a great difference between information and indoctrination, and too many authors use the latter to sway audiences to their opinion. This book is refreshing in that it provides information sufficient to allow readers to develop their own opinions. The author is also careful to highlight recognition for General Longstreet's accomplishments and talents as well as his failures and shortcomings. This is definitely one of the best, most objective, Civil War books that I have ever read.

A Wonderful Book!

Wert's biography of Longstreet is one of the most balanced and thoroughly researched books about any Civil War general that I have ever read. Wert presents in detail the many sides of Longstreet - and those with whom Longstreet served. From the first chapter Wert shows that Longstreet was a soldier to be both praised and criticized - and Wert does not hesitate to do either........ One of the many features that I liked was Wert's willingness to present many sides of an issue. Even when Wert later offers his personal opinion, the reader is made aware of evidence that would support the opposite opinion. Most refreshing in an author of military history!........ The book is packed with information and Wert obviously conducted very exhaustive research. Not the usual dry biography, I found it hard to put down each night. My only complaint with the book was that it was not longer - I longed for more....... This is a great work and most ceratinly a MUST read.