NF Biographies

[Rebelsoul]

Having been an avid Civil War reader for over 40 years, which modern biographies of R.E Lee,James Longstreet, Richard Ewell and Jubal Early are considered the best ? I am trying to rebuild my library and I don't have a lot of money to spend so I only want the best I can find of each.I know everyone has differing opinions on what "the best is " ,I just want some suggestions .

 

[jackt62]

A a relatively recent book that deals with Lee (and Grant) that I found worthwhile is:

"Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee" by William Davis

 

[Hawkeye Brehm]

Douglas Southall Freeman's "R.E. Lee" is widely regarded as the standard Lee bio.

I thoroughly enjoyed Jeffry Wert's "General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier".

Currently re-reading Donald Pfanz's "Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life", which I think is phenomenal.

 

[mofederal]

I really like Richard Taylor's Destruction and Reconstruction. He was a good writer and he writes an interesting tale. It is worth the read. Yes he wrote it himself, it's not modern, but worth the time and trouble.

 

[Rebelsoul]

I really like Richard Taylor's Destruction and Reconstruction. He was a good writer and he writes an interesting tale. It is worth the read. Yes he wrote it himself, it's not modern, but worth the time and trouble.

Thank you sir, I have read that one. It's another that someday I have to replace.

 

[Rebelsoul]

Douglas Southall Freeman's "R.E. Lee" is widely regarded as the standard Lee bio.

I thoroughly enjoyed Jeffry Wert's "General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier".

Currently re-reading Donald Pfanz's "Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life", which I think is phenomenal.[/QUOTEThank you for your reply.

 

[Rebelsoul]

A a relatively recent book that deals with Lee (and Grant) that I found worthwhile is:

"Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee" by William Davis

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

@Rebelsoul , "General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier" by Jeffry Wert is very good.

 

[Rebelsoul]

@Rebelsoul , "General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier" by Jeffry Wert is very good.

Thank you, I had that one awhile back and yes it is a good book. I had over 200 books at one time but unfortunately the were lost in a house fire so I'm slowly trying to replace them.

 

[matthew mckeon]

Thank you, I had that one awhile back and yes it is a good book. I had over 200 books at one time but unfortunately the were lost in a house fire so I'm slowly trying to replace them.

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you and yours are OK. If you're short on funds, I suggest checking your local library. Then you can decide if the book is worth purchasing.
"Reading the Man" is pretty good about R.E.Lee.

 

[jackt62]

For another version of Lee that does a course correction on the "Lost Cause" depiction of Lee, try:
"Lee Considered: General Robert E. Lee and Civil War History: by Alan T. Nolan