Meade at Gettysburg

A Study in Command

By Kent Masterson Brown | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

Although he took command of the Army of the Potomac only three days before the first shots were fired at Gettysburg, Union general George G. Meade guided his forces to victory in the Civil War’s most pivotal battle. Commentators often dismiss Meade when discussing the great leaders of the Civil War. But in this long-anticipated book, Kent Masterson Brown draws on an expansive archive to reappraise Meade’s leadership during the Battle of Gettysburg. Using Meade’s published and unpublished papers alongside diaries, letters, and memoirs of fellow officers and enlisted men, Brown highlights how Meade’s rapid advance of the army to Gettysburg on July 1, his tactical control and coordination of the army in the desperate fighting on July 2, and his determination to hold his positions on July 3 insured victory.

Brown argues that supply deficiencies, brought about by the army’s unexpected need to advance to Gettysburg, were crippling. In spite of that, Meade pursued Lee’s retreating army rapidly, and his decision not to blindly attack Lee’s formidable defenses near Williamsport on July 13 was entirely correct in spite of subsequent harsh criticism. Combining compelling narrative with incisive analysis, this finely rendered work of military history deepens our understanding of the Army of the Potomac as well as the machinations of the Gettysburg Campaign, restoring Meade to his rightful place in the Gettysburg narrative.

Editions of Meade at Gettysburg

Hardcover
ISBN 9781469661995
Paperback
ISBN 9781469699103
EBook
ISBN 9781469662015
EBook
ISBN 9798890883650
EBook
ISBN 9781469662008
PDF
ISBN 9798890883643

Read an Excerpt

Although he took command of the Army of the Potomac only three days before the first shots were fired at Gettysburg, Union general George G. Meade guided his forces to victory in the Civil War’s most pivotal battle. Commentators often dismiss Meade when discussing the great leaders of the Civil War. But in this long-anticipated book, Kent Masterson Brown draws on an expansive archive to reappraise Meade’s leadership during the Battle of Gettysburg. Using Meade’s published and unpublished papers alongside diaries, letters, and memoirs of fellow officers and enlisted men, Brown highlights how Meade’s rapid advance of the army to Gettysburg on July 1, his tactical control and coordination of the army in the desperate fighting on July 2, and his determination to hold his positions on July 3 insured victory.

Brown argues that supply deficiencies, brought about by the army’s unexpected need to advance to Gettysburg, were crippling. In spite of that, Meade pursued Lee’s retreating army rapidly, and his decision not to blindly attack Lee’s formidable defenses near Williamsport on July 13 was entirely correct in spite of subsequent harsh criticism. Combining compelling narrative with incisive analysis, this finely rendered work of military history deepens our understanding of the Army of the Potomac as well as the machinations of the Gettysburg Campaign, restoring Meade to his rightful place in the Gettysburg narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meade at Gettysburg about?

Although he took command of the Army of the Potomac only three days before the first shots were fired at Gettysburg, Union general George G. Meade guided his forces to victory in the Civil War’s most pivotal battle. Commentators often dismiss Meade when discussing the great leaders of the Civil War. But in this long-anticipated book, Kent Masterson Brown draws on an expansive archive to reappraise Meade’s leadership during the Battle of Gettysburg. Using Meade’s published and unpublished papers alongside diaries, letters, and memoirs of fellow officers and enlisted men, Brown highlights how Meade’s rapid advance of the army to Gettysburg on July 1, his tactical control and coordination of the army in the desperate fighting on July 2, and his determination to hold his positions on July 3 insured victory.

Brown argues that supply deficiencies, brought about by the army’s unexpected need to advance to Gettysburg, were crippling. In spite of that, Meade pursued Lee’s retreating army rapidly, and his decision not to blindly attack Lee’s formidable defenses near Williamsport on July 13 was entirely correct in spite of subsequent harsh criticism. Combining compelling narrative with incisive analysis, this finely rendered work of military history deepens our understanding of the Army of the Potomac as well as the machinations of the Gettysburg Campaign, restoring Meade to his rightful place in the Gettysburg narrative.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Meade at Gettysburg?

History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas

Where can I read a sample of Meade at Gettysburg?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469661995

How long is Meade at Gettysburg and how many pages does it have?

Meade at Gettysburg has 488 page(s)

Is Meade at Gettysburg part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Civil War America

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Meade at Gettysburg?

Kent Masterson Brown

Who is the Publisher of the book Meade at Gettysburg?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Meade at Gettysburg is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469661995) and paperback(ISBN 9781469699103) and ebook(ISBN 9781469662015) and ebook(ISBN 9798890883650) and ebook(ISBN 9781469662008) and pdf(ISBN 9798890883643)

Where can I buy Meade at Gettysburg online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Meade at Gettysburg?