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: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671892878
• ISBN13: 9780671892876
• Release Date: December 1994
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Little Book

I was fourteen years old, and we were discussing the Civil War in history class. I had an especially enthusiastic teacher and several well-informed friends, and a desire to learn about the War Between the States was fast budding within me. By the strangest stroke of luck, I found this very same book on a bookshelf at home. Was it my fathers? Was it divine intervention? I don't know the answer, but I started to read it, and I didn't put it down. Several years and countless books later, I'm considering pursuing a PhD in history (specializing in the Civil War era.) Fate? This books is wonderful both as an account of Longstreet's life and, surprisingly, as a general introduction to the war in the East (plus a bit about Longstreet's stint in the West.) Wert provides well-detailed descriptions of the tactical elements of each battle involving Longstreet without becoming boring, even to the inexperienced reader. His views on Longstreet are intriguing and thought provoking, and a more balanced and objective account is, as far as I've read, not to be found. I apologize if my rather sentimental past with this particular tome has skewed my analysis of it, but this book will always hold a special place in my heart.

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.

Excellent biography! A balanced portrait of a great leader

"General James Longstreet, The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier: A Biography" is a candid, fair and balanced portrait of a man who should, but doesn't, rank at the top of any list of the greatest American military leaders. James Longstreet's place in history has always been shrouded in controversy, much of it of his own making. In the decades since the Civil War, he has traditionally been blamed by historians for the Confederate army's loss at Gettysburg, and condemned for his service in the Grant administration as a traitor to the "Lost Cause." Jeffry D. Wert's able pen (he writes in a very clear, concise and easily comprehensible style) and obviously meticulous research presents Lee's "old war-horse" as a general possessed with great strategic vision, an outstanding ability to lead troops in the field, and with tactically conservative, yet sound, instincts. Longstreet's personal flaws - his inability to control his emotions and support his superiors when he disagreed with them, and his vindictiveness toward his subordinates when they disagreed with him - are also fully explored. The author's admiration for his subject is evident throughout this book. The overall portrait that emerges is favorable - a general beloved by his troops and depended upon for his wise counsel and military skills by his boss, General Robert E. Lee; but also a military leader capable of serious misjudgments both on the field of battle, and in his dealings with both his superiors and subordinates.This is one of the better biographies of one of the major figures of the Civil War, and a book I enjoyed thoroughly. I would have preferred a bit more detail on Longstreet's life after the Civil War, but that is my only (and very minor) reservation. Highly recommended for all Civil War enthusiasts!

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.