audiobook Collett Leventhorpe; the English Confederate: The Life of a Civil War General 1815-1889 by Bradley R Foley; J. Timothy Cole in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. General Leventhorpe was a true "Man For All Seasons".By sherrie myersOver the last few years I have been reading everything I could get my hands on related to the Civil War; particularly those regiments connected to North Carolina. Walter Clark's excellent histories of the regiments from North Carolina is a particular favorite. It seems to me that the men and women of that time had the most truly noble souls. Yes; these people wanted the good things in life that we today want; but they exhibited a real sense of duty and self sacrifice in that terrible time of war. In my reading of the excellent book; "Collett Leventhorpe; the English Confederate"; I am once more reminded of how very extraordinary these people were and I very much admire General Leventhorpe and his dear wife Louisa. As Mr Cole and Foley point out at the begining of the book; that the "the swift do not always win the race" confirms that those who most assuredly deserve recognition do not always receive it . But that does not mean that General Leventhorpe was a failed man in any sense of the word. This heroic man lived a very full; happy and satisfying life and he and Louisa lived it to it's fullest. As with all Mr. Cole's books; he includes meticulous notes; appendixes and pictures. It was a real joy to read this book. I wish every person would read it and learn about this very fine man; Collett Leventhorpe; and realize how fortunate North Carolina was to have him.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Excellent study of a little known but important Civil War figureBy Reginald Arthur Simpson IVIn this fascinating study; authors J. Timothy Cole and Bradley R. Foley present a vivid account on the life on Englishman and Confederate general; Collett Leventhorpe. Through meticulous research; the authors are able to track Leventhorpe from his youth in England; to his arrival in Charleston in 1843 as a young man; and through his settling down in North Carolina. This well-written biography develops a full sense of Leventhorpe's personality and character.Not only have the authors succeeded in producing the first full-length scholarly biography of Leventhorpe; from the ample use of rich primary sources; Cole and Foley illustrate the love and respect Leventhorpe garnered from his men. This loyalty aided Leventhorpe's command to a great victory at Whitehall (NC) against superior numbers and to victory on the first day of Gettysburg; where he fell severely wounded and was subsequently captured during the Confederate retreat days later. Following his release from Federal prison in March 1864; and the resignation of his command to recuperate from his injuries; Leventhorpe's men contacted Gov. Zeb Vance seeking assistance in procuring a fine saddle for their beloved leader.Fine research in obscure sources are apparent throughout the narrative and in the many copious footnotes. Photographs; maps; and primary source material in the appendices enliven the book. This book is a must for anyone interested in North Carolina history and especially Civil War history. Scholars interested in the history of gold mining in the Southeast would also find this book useful.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must buy for any Civil War enthusiast.By Tyronne J. Davis"Collett Leventhorpe; the English Confederate" is a well written biography of one of North Carolina's few Confederate generals. In addition; this book does a great job of uncovering North Carolina's role in the Civil War. Definitely worth the money.