From the best-selling author of Gettysburg; a multilayered group biography of the commanders who led the Army of the Potomac The high command of the Army of the Potomac was a changeable; often dysfunctional band of brothers; going through the fires of war under seven commanding generals in three years; until Grant came east in 1864. The men in charge all too frequently appeared to be fighting against the administration in Washington instead of for it; increasingly cast as political pawns facing down a vindictive congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War.President Lincoln oversaw; argued with; and finally tamed his unruly team of generals as the eastern army was stabilized by an unsung supporting cast of corps; division; and brigade generals. With characteristic style and insight; Stephen Sears brings these courageous; determined officers; who rose through the ranks and led from the front; to life.
#3541483 in Books John Thomas Ambrosi 2012-02-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .81 x 6.00l; 1.05 #File Name: 0615572456356 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very enjoyable readingBy CollinI have traveled to Gettysburg many; many times. I have a nephew who lives in the area and when staying with him; I just go toGettysburg both for the battlefield and the village itself. Over 15 years I have seen it all in Gettysburg; and over the 4th of July;it's both crowded and exciting; but I like to just walk around and see all the uniforms worn on the streets. In the colder weatherit's much quieter; but the best time to see the battlefield.Route 15 (future I99 north of Williamsport) has changed and I'm sure travelers like the quick route north/south; but we just wiz buythe more interesting spots. Sort of like route 66; you have to look for the old parts of 15 which have been fractured by the4 lane.The author mixes various experiences from grade school to college to the Marine corps in an interesting way. Some of theearly stories remind me of Jean Shepherd's writings of growing up in his hometown of Hammond; Indiana.I read the book in a couple of days; which means I enjoyed it...1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Shared JourneyBy farnsworthAfter moving to Rochester 10 years ago from Canada; some of our family's first roadtrips were down Rte 15 to take in popular events like the Little League World Series in Williamsport PA; or to visit the museums and battlefields of Gettysburg. I have also travelled the route for work; but have never taken the time to get off the main roads to investigate the small attractions - the family owned restaurants; bars; cemeteries etc.; which make up a community's soul. I am grateful that the author made the effort; and had the gererosity to weave his vibrant personal history into that of the region; which has been sterilized by time and textbook writers. More than just the "road less traveled"; Mr. Ambrosi's feet seem to obey Jogi Berra's mantra; that "if you come to a fork in the road; take it". A very enjoyable read.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Great Road TripBy ShepI am a Marine and a student of history. I have visited Gettysburg many times; but the trip with this author is especially entertaining. The professional historian and the casual visitor to Gettysburg will both appreciate this unique look at the battle; the town in which combatants fought it; and the highway thousands of people travel on their pilgrimage to the hallowed place. As with Confederates in the Attic; you don't have to be a Civil War expert to like this book. I highly recommend this part memoir; part travelogue; part commentary; which is beautifully set in the context of the greatest military engagement on the North American continent. A must for both Civil War buffs and someone who just enjoys a good read.The author is a former Marine and business executive. His writing is crisp; humorous; and thoughtful. At times it is poignant and a bit sad. The book is more like chatting about past visits to Gettysburg with an old friend than it is a history text.His narrative is colorful. His descriptive prose brings the places and events to life. You can almost smell Dan Sickle's cigar smoke as he is carted off the field after receiving his horrific wound. You can feel the power emanating from Winfield Scott Hancock as he takes magnificent control of the Union effort and prevents disaster.The author weaves a tale of his own experiences in life; both the bad and the good; in the military and in civilian life; with the experiences of both the soldiers and generals who fought at Gettysburg. He also takes a particularly interesting and unexpected turn describing the lives of the good; hard-working people who live along Route 15 in New York and Pennsylvania; and also those that make Gettysburg the place it is today.He delves a bit into why our society still grapples with the echoes of the Civil War. He looks at that through the eyes of someone who knows. His experiences and observations in and around his hometown of Rochester; New York; the northern terminus of Route 15; tell us that segregation--the insidious segregation of economic and social choice--is still a powerful force in shaping the America we love. The ghosts of questions that caused two great armies to struggle at Gettysburg still haunt us today.
