Lee and His High Command

[matthew mckeon]

I drive about 90 minutes a day and often listen to Books on Tape (or CD) to "improve the time." Currently I'm listening to "Great Courses" a lecture series on Lee and the top officers of the ANV by Gary Gallanger.

Its not indepth, but it has a bunch of stuff I hadn't known, especially about some of the division commanders. It gives a nice overview of Lee's command and management style, and his headaches with his sometimes touchy staff. I'm going to post on the specifics on the appropriate forums, but I recommend the series highly, especially to a new student of the ANV.

[samgrant]

Originally Posted by matthew mckeon

I drive about 90 minutes a day and often listen to Books on Tape (or CD) to "improve the time." Currently I'm listening to "Great Courses" a lecture series on Lee and the top officers of the ANV by Gary Gallanger.

Its not indepth, but it has a bunch of stuff I hadn't known, especially about some of the division commanders. It gives a nice overview of Lee's command and management style, and his headaches with his sometimes touchy staff. I'm going to post on the specifics on the appropriate forums, but I recommend the series highly, especially to a new student of the ANV.

Wonder what the sources are? Gallagher, Freeman, etc.

[elektratig]

Matthew is probably referring to the series of lectures linked below, by the Teaching Company. I haven't listened to that particular course, but I listened to or watched several of the company's offerings and enjoyed them. A friend gave me the Civil War course on CD for Christmas, also delivered by Gallagher. I can't say I learned much new, but Gallagher is a good lecturer and I found myself looking forward to getting in the car so I could listen to them. My wife, who does not know alot about the Civil War, also enjoyed them and I think learned a fair amount.

My suggestion is to get a series on a topic that interests you, but about which you know little. I for example have gotten other series about the Crusades and (currently) Medieval History.

One trick is only to buy courses that are on sale. Every course, as I understand it, goes on sale at some point each year, and the savings are dramatic -- about 70% off. So if you see something that interests you but is not on sale at the moment, restrain yourself and keep checking back.

http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursede...y%20-%20Modern

[ole]

Dropped a bundle on one of those sales some years back, Elektratig. Keystone of the library is Gary Gallagher's 12-videocassette discussion of the war. Been through the 24-hour lecture three times (never at one sitting).

As you mentioned, not much in the way of new discovery, but his presentation does put the entire period into perspective.

The Training Company and its Great Courses are well worth checking into if the subject has interest -- especially if you spend hours in your car, or have the TV on as company while you're doing something else.
Ole