Longstreet biography recommendation?

[randoke]

I've seen a few books listed here but can anyone recommend a good bio to me? He doesn't seem to have as much writing about him as other Confederate generals but he intrigues me a lot. Also interested in his post war career.

 

[Private Watkins]

I've seen a few books listed here but can anyone recommend a good bio to me? He doesn't seem to have as much writing about him as other Confederate generals but he intrigues me a lot. Also interested in his post war career.

My recommendation would be Jeffry Wert's book General James Longstreet - The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier.

 

[FarawayFriend]

My recommendation would be Jeffry Wert's book General James Longstreet - The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier.

I do second that. Good book!
Ask @War Horse

 

[hanna260]

I really liked Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant by William Garrett Piston.

 

[Private Watkins]

I really liked Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant by William Garrett Piston.

View attachment 72196

That's a good one too, I enjoyed it also. One of the reasons I recommend Wert's book though is that Piston spends a whole lot more time on Longstreet's post-war travails, with just enough coverage of him during the war to set the stage. Wert goes much more in depth into Longstreet's Civil War career, with only a chapter or two (if I recall correctly) at the end on the post-war period. So both good books, but each with a bit different focus... so randoke maybe it depends on what you're looking for... or just get both!!

The other reason I liked Wert's book is simply that it was written after Piston's, and Wert had the benefit of some additional research and insights, etc.

 

[randoke]

Thanks to everyone. More books to read!

 

[dlofting]

Although not biographies I would also recommend "At the Right Hand of Longstreet" by Moxley Sorrel and "Longstreet's Aide, The Civil War Letters of Major Thomas J. Goree".

 

[War Horse]

I do second that. Good book!
Ask @War Horse

Simply the best!

 

[War Horse]

Although not biographies I would also recommend "At the Right Hand of Longstreet" by Moxley Sorrel and "Longstreet's Aide, The Civil War Letters of Major Thomas J. Goree".

Awesome as well.

 

[War Horse]

That's a good one too, I enjoyed it also. One of the reasons I recommend Wert's book though is that Piston spends a whole lot more time on Longstreet's post-war travails, with just enough coverage of him during the war to set the stage. Wert goes much more in depth into Longstreet's Civil War career, with only a chapter or two (if I recall correctly) at the end on the post-war period. So both good books, but each with a bit different focus... so randoke maybe it depends on what you're looking for... or just get both!!

The other reason I liked Wert's book is simply that it was written after Piston's, and Wert had the benefit of some additional research and insights, etc.

Wert does excellent work. His J.E.B Stuart biography is also most excellent.

 

[Private Watkins]

Wert does excellent work. His J.E.B Stuart biography is also most excellent.

I've not read his Stuart bio, but I certainly shall now that Warhorse has recommended it! (Note to self, add one more to the stack!!)

 

[Private Watkins]

Just curious, has anyone read this one...? If so what'd you think?

 

[nitrofd]

If you haven't read it you could always read his memoirs. "FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX", BUT TAKE it with a little grain of salt as he try's to make himself look better.

 

[bankerpapaw]

Longstreet himself wrote "From Manassas to Appomattox." I haven't read it yet, but I intend to.

 

[bankerpapaw]

If you haven't read it you could always read his memoirs. "FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX", BUT TAKE it with a little grain of salt as he try's to make himself look better.

Sorry, nitrofd. I hit "Post Reply" just as I saw your post.

 

[Rob9641]

Longstreet himself wrote "From Manassas to Appomattox." I haven't read it yet, but I intend to.

I've read it and like it, but you do have to take anybody's autobiography with a grain of salt. For that matter, you should read anything critically and read multiple sources on the same subject if you can. Everybody has his own point of view.

 

[GELongstreet]

For to Appomattox you´ll probably need some time ... and nerves whenever you stumble accros a section that is missing names or numbers - which happens a lot. Nontheless a fascinating piece of literature.

 

[War Horse]

I've not read his Stuart bio, but I certainly shall now that Warhorse has recommended it! (Note to self, add one more to the stack!!)

I continue to buy books and have no idea when I will ever read them all. I guess I just need to retire early.

 

[War Horse]

Just curious, has anyone read this one...? If so what'd you think?

I have never seen this. Where did you find it? I love the cover. I'm off to look it up right now. Thanks

 

[War Horse]

It's on its way as well as "At the right hand of Longstreet" by Moxley Sorrel I have the ebook but could not resist.