No military unit in all the annals of American history exceeds in reputation Robert E. Lee's illustrious Army of Northern Virginia. In ten chapters based on exhaustive research; esteemed Civil War scholar Robert K. Krick gives eloquent examination to aspects of the army ranging from biographical sketches and the best and worst books on the subject; to Confederate troop strengths and locating soldier records. He begins with two key events: Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson's mortal wounding at Chancellorsville; and Jackson's most famous quarrel with a subordinate; which resulted in the unsuccessful court martial of General Richard B. Garnett. Krick continues with chapters on James Longstreet's failure at Knoxville and the prickly relationship between Jubal A. Early and the undisciplined Valley Cavalry. His piece on Robert E. Rodes is the first complete portrait of Lee's best division commander; whose wife methodically burned all of his letters sent home; forever preventing a full-scale biography. Krick; however; has uncovered a wide array of unpublished material on Rodes to sketch him in fresh perspective. Another essay considers the life and career of Colonel R. Welby Carter - a rogue
#3252723 in Books Louisiana State University Press 1997-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.16 x 6.32 x 9.29l; #File Name: 0807121991352 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. civil warBy Richard H. Phillipsgreat account of the experience of one of my own ancestors.....nothing more to say so why am I still typing?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy SteveVery pleased with book12 of 14 people found the following review helpful. A scholarly; but absorbing work that reads like a novel.By A CustomerWhile something of a "Civil War buff"; I'm not onegiven to re-enactments and such. But I do enjoy books about the CivilWar that are historically accurate and most of all; do not bore me! Mr. Hagerty's tome fulfills both requirements. It's the story of the 114th Pennsylvania regiment; whose members were culled mostly from the Philadelphia area. They were a true cross-section of mid-19th century society; representing not only the trades and professions; but every degree of human courage (and cowardice) one can imagine. Much has changed since the 1860's; but the traits; trials; and frailties of Homosapiens remains a constant. This concept is key to the entertainment value of "Collis' Zouaves". Hagerty brings main characters to life; with an emphasis on historical accuracy. Letters; stories; and in many cases photographs; give the reader a "first-hand" feel to the narrative. For Civil War buffs; this book is a "must-have". For the rest of us; with or without a direct interest in the Civil War; Mr. Hagerty has accomplished what seems to be so rare: a history book that's meticulously researched; yet fun to read. In my book; it's a "must-have" for every American. I know I'll read it again.
