The second volume in Gordon C. Rhea's peerless five-book series on the Civil War's 1864 Overland Campaign abounds with Rhea's signature detail; innovative analysis; and riveting prose. Here Rhea examines the maneuvers and battles from May 7; 1864; when Grant left the Wilderness; through May 12; when his attempt to break Lee's line by frontal assault reached a chilling climax at what is now called the Bloody Angle. Drawing exhaustively upon previously untapped materials; Rhea challenges conventional wisdom about this violent clash of titans to construct the ultimate account of Grant and Lee at Spotsylvania.
#2170969 in Books Louisiana State Univ Pr 1982-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.75 x 6.00 x .75l; #File Name: 0807110205152 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good book with new perspectivesBy JakeThe authors explore the Myth of the Lost Cause from a new (to me) perspective in this book. I was particularly interested in their view that the Lost Cause was; by and large; a Virginia-based concession because most of Myth's first and second wave writers were Virginians. I had never encountered that argument before and it makes fairly good sense. The examination of RE Lee as a product of his Virginia social environment - both the man himself and the Mythic man he has become - was new to me as well.10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Title is misleading.By J. F. RodriguezI consider myself an avid Civil War history reader and James Longstreet admirer. I was anticipating reading more on how General Longstreet's reputation became tarnished and 'trashed' by Jubal Early and his compatriots in an effort to place blame on Dutch Longstreet for the loss at Gettysburg; and elevating Lee to 'Saint" status after the war. In my opinion; Gen. Longstreet was Lee's most capable and dependable Corps commander - Lee's "Old War Horse."This book is about the 'Lost Cause' myth and how it came about; and only mentions James Longstreet in a 'few' lines. The book is very interesting and factual; but I believe the title is misleading.Buy it to read about the Lost Cause origins; but not to read about James Longstreet.PS: If you are in North Georgia; a visit to his grave site in Alta Vista Cemetery;Gainesville; GA; is well worth it. Don't forget to leave a cigar for Ole Dutch!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy Kevin BrownOutstanding look at the rise and effects of the "Lost Cause" propaganda that come to dominate the memory of the U.S. Civil War. A "must read" for true Civil War historians.
