Generals in Bronze

[rebalgray]

This is a new book and it's a good read.
rebalgray

Book Description
Generals in Bronze: Revealing interviews with the commanders of the Civil War.
In the decades that followed the American Civil War, Artist James E. Kelly (1855-1933) conducted in-depth interviews with over forty Union Generals in an effort to accurately portray them in their greatest moment of glory.
Kelly explained: "I had always felt a great lact of certain personal details. I made up my mind to ask from living officers every question I would have asked Washington or his generals had they posed for me, such as: What they considered the principal incidents in their career and particulars about costumes and surroundings."
During one interview session with Gen. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Kelly asked about the charge at Fort ****ation. Gen. Chamberlain acquiesced, but then added, "I don't see how you can show this in a picture." "Just tell me the facts," Kelly responded, "and I'll attend to the picture." And by recording those stirring facts, Kelly left us not only his wonderful art, but a truly unique picture of the lives of the great figures of the American Civil War.

About the Author
William B. Styple has edited, co-authored, and authored several works on the Civil War. His book: "The Little Bugler" won the Young Readers' Award from the Civil War Round Table of New York. He is currently writing the biography of Gen. Phil Kearny.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 314 pages
• Publisher: Belle Grove Publishing Co. (September 1, 2005)

[ole]

rebalgray:
You'll note samgrant quotes from this book quite frequently on other threads. Sounds like it should be worth picking up.
Ole

[samgrant]

Originally Posted by ole

rebalgray:
You'll note samgrant quotes from this book quite frequently on other threads. Sounds like it should be worth picking up.
Ole

I did find that book quite enjoyable. Lots of odd stories one would not have heard of elsewhere.

It was also remarkable in that it portrayed the sometimes petty, sometimes bitter, opinions/resentments held of other officers, well after the war.

As to it's reliability, one must keep in mind that Kelly's interviews took place from 1878 to 1905, 23- 40 years after the war. So the memories of these generals may have been dimmed by time, somewhat exaggerated, and/or influenced by the many volumes of memoirs/reminiscences/accounts published in the 1870s, 1880s, etc.

One thing lacking is that none of the Confederate generals were included in the interviews.

There are some true gems:

The issue of the 3 conditions a general (supposedly) had to accept to be commander of the Army of the Potomac.

And quotes:

"The only way to fight the devil is to use his own weapons." - Joe Hooker