KansasFreestater
1st Lieutenant
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2014
I was in a used-book store yesterday and Stephen Ambrose's last book, To America, caught my eye. His books have been recommended by many people, so I was curious. As I leafed through it, I landed on a page in his chapter on Grant. Imagine my dismay when I found one of Grant's best quotes, altered by a word or two, presented as Ambrose's own words. No quotation marks, no attribution to Grant. I had been ready to plunk down my money and buy the book until I discovered that dirty little trick.
I knew that Ambrose got nailed numerous times for plagiarism, but there was something about seeing it right there in front of my face -- especially since the victim here was Grant, who has been cheated for so long, by so many, from his rightful place.... Yeah, I take it personally. I was ticked.
The original quote from Grant, characterizing the Confederacy:
I knew that Ambrose got nailed numerous times for plagiarism, but there was something about seeing it right there in front of my face -- especially since the victim here was Grant, who has been cheated for so long, by so many, from his rightful place.... Yeah, I take it personally. I was ticked.
The original quote from Grant, characterizing the Confederacy:
"...that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse."
Several months ago, I took advantage of a sale special and downloaded a Kindle book by Ambrose on Crazy Horse and Custer, because those two men are fascinating individuals and supposedly Ambrose is a great storyteller. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, and now I'm wondering if I even should invest the time in doing so. I can't help wondering how trustworthy it is. Thoughts, anyone?
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