audiobook Searching for George Gordon Meade: The Forgotten Victor of Gettysburg by Tom Huntington in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Good Biography Good U.S. HistoryBy in1ear (John Row)I found this biography / historical book for free as a Kindle book several months ago when I was searching the Free Bestsellers lists. While not any where near a Civil War expert; I do have a strong interest. One low rating review of this work said it was too much of a travelogue. It does relate much of the area features as well as being a seemingly thoroughly researched biography of General Meade. I don't see this as a negative. It actually made the reading more enjoyable; giving rhyme and reason to the lives and situations of Meade; his superiors; his troops and his foes on the battle fields. The importance of terrain; weather; etc is more than relevant when the subject is an important figure in a war time situation. I enjoyed the book and it's subject and how the author brought to life people and places from 150 years ago in what may be the most important event in the history of this country.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. BELATED RECOGNITIONBy KEVIN CLANCYI find this new biography of General Meade to be a welcome change from the literary neglect and criticism he has received in the past. In recent years the victor of Gettysburg has obtained more credit for his contributions to the Union cause; and Tom Huntington's book should add considerably to the much-deserved refurbishing of the general's reputation. The unusual format works well- he delves into Meade's story by actually visiting places associated with his life and death. The travelogue technique brings the reader to such places as West Point; Mexican War sites; a lighthouse in New Jersey; his native Philadelphia; and; naturally; many Civil War battlegrounds. The past and present are thereby merged into an enjoyable and educational study of this controversial figure. The best section deals with the pursuit of Lee's army after Gettysburg. A greater appreciation emerges for how Meade pressed his fatigued army under very adverse conditions. It also becomes clear that he was not helped by contradictory orders from Washington- "fight Lee"; "postpone a battle" etc. In line with other books like Kent Masterson Brown's RETREAT FROM GETTYSBURG; a powerful case is made that Meade has been overly criticized for his actions between July 4 and July 14 in 1863. My only minor complaint comes from the author's occasional tendency to sarcastically dismiss generals like Jackson; Hooker; and McClellan. Whether a general happens to be a good Christian is better left for theologians to discuss. Denigrating the performances of others does nothing to bolster the case for Meade. Rather; a consistently objective approach to the general's record will work best. I highly recommend this book. Hopefully works such as this will historical justice and literary recognition to a great American; albeit beltedly.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great History for Non HistoriansBy Basil RathboneI absolutely loved this book. When discussing battles in which General Meade participated; the author will stop; and digress to a modern discussion of how the area looks now; what has been saved by the Civil War Trust; and what guides work at that battlefield. It is an ingenious effort to combine history and modern circumstances. For instance; while discussing Sickles; Huntington digresses into a story about the modern author of a book on Sickles and his work as a Gettysburg Guide. When discussing Mine Run; he disgresses into a discussion of what the turf and battlefield presents today. I found this digression rather enjoyable...knowing it would probably irk purists. There is a paucity of real good information from Meade and his true feelings on his rough treatment from many; inlcuding Burnside; Hooker; Sickles; Doubleday; Grant; Sherman and Sheridan. We really only have his letters to his Wife; Margaret. Too bad. To find other sources would be a joyous find. Isn't it interesting that Meade hated Doubleday and replaced him with Newton and ended up hating Newton and discarding him out of the Army. So much intrigue; but so little good information because Meade burned most of his papers and reports. His burning caused future biographers to have little defense for him. I would also have liked to know much more about the Grant-Meade relationship from the Crater to Appomattox. This book; however; is a must read.