How Robert E. Lee Lost the War by Edward Bonekemper

[gary]

Bonekemper wrote this book before he wrote "Grant, A Victor, Not a Butcher." Bonekemper joins with other major historians (Peter Cozzens), Liddell Hart & J. F. C. Fuller in questioning Lee's strategy. In case you haven't heard of the last two, they're better known in the U.K. and in military circles. Both served in WW I and were well known military commentators of the 20th Century. Both advocated the use of tanks and Fuller's works were studied by the Germans in developing their own concepts. Hart was recalled to service where he interviewed numerous German officers after the war. Both were prolific writers (and I kinda grew up reading Hart who edited The Rommel Papers).

Back to Lee. Bonekemper says that Lee was too Virginia orientied (myopic) and couldn't see that the war in the east needed only be a holding action ala Washington of Revolution fame. The war was decided in the West and Lee's overaggressiveness deprived the South of manpower it would later need in fighting the defensive battles later. It's a good and easy read and Bonekemper cites numerous authorities. He also joins in thrashing the myth of the lost cause. It's a nice short book well worth the effort.

[ole]

Thanks for the review, Gary. Will put that on the list.