Lee Moves North: Robert E. Lee on the Offensive - Hardcover

Palmer, Michael A.

3.76

21 ratings by Goodreads

9780471164012: Lee Moves North: Robert E. Lee on the Offensive

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471164011 ISBN 13: 9780471164012

Publisher: Wiley, 1998

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Lee Moves North "A revisionist look at Lee's career . detailed and interesting." --Orlando Sentinel "Michael Palmer says that Robert E. Lee was 145;a man of military genius'--but only when he was reacting to a Union attack. When he analyzes Lee on the offensive, Palmer labels him a woefully inadequate general. Powerfully written, this no-holds-barred criticism of Lee the general will shake long-held perceptions of historians and buffs. Like this book or not, it is must reading." --John F. Marszalek, Mississippi State University author of Sherman: A Soldier's Passion for Order "A superb study--one that provides refreshingly new insight into the generalship of Robert E. Lee .a must for Civil War and military historians." --William N. Still Jr., coauthor of Why the South Lost "A unique and careful analysis of Lee's generalship #133;an excellent and persuasive consideration of the Marble Man." --Alan T. Nolan, author of Lee Considered Reconsidering a Confederate Legend . In a boldly revisionist look at the career, leadership capability, and decisive battles of the venerated General Robert E. Lee, prize-winning historian Michael Palmer delivers a riveting new perspective on one of the most compelling figures in United States history.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

For much of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia fought on the defensive, but it's during three specific invasions northward--Antietam, Gettysburg, and the lesser-known Bristoe Station--that both the genius and failings of General Lee come to light. Historian Michael Palmer offers a revisionist look at how Lee, who has been at times nearly universally revered, made serious mistakes when engaging in offensive operations. Regardless of whether the reader totally agrees with Palmer's thesis, the argument is well presented, and the sources cited and Palmer's writing could engender a lively debate.

From the Publisher:

Few military figures have attained the legendary status of Robert E. Lee. Yet, though he displayed tactical brilliance in the defensive mode, Lee's offensive moves were often hastily undertaken with virtually no logistical preparation. And not surprisingly, these assaults ended in defeat. Lee Moves North explores the weaknesses of Lee's leadership by focusing on three of his unsuccessful campaigns to break ground in the North: the abortive Maryland invasion in Sharpsburg of 1862, the disastrous Gettysburg campaign of 1863, and the lesser-know Bristoe Station fiasco later that year.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.