Rating:  Summary: Consistent with his theory Review: As a former student of Mr. Alexander (I took classes on his regarding How Great Generals Win (HGGW) and The Future of Warfare), I can see a unifying theory throughout his work. He sets forth a number of principles that must be met in order to confound and eventually defeat an enemy (without using a million men to the enemy's one) in HGGW and reexamines Lee's stewardship of the South according to those principles in Lee's Civil War. Interesting at the same time thought provoking, Alexander has once again broken through the mythical aurora of time-honored military greats. By saying Jackson was a better tactition than Lee, and Lee only had the superiority because of birthright, Alexander forces us to look at the prejudices history has forced upon us.
Rating:  Summary: Hindsight is 20/20 Review: As a reader of scores of Civil War Hisorical accounts, I would rate this book at the bottom. Mr. Alexander less than detailed accounts of Robert E. Lee's command of the Army of Northern Virginia were easy enough to digest. But his opinions of the results of Lee's battles and maneuvers were lacking sufficient credence. In addition, Mr. Alexander's alternatives to Lee's decisions lacked any substantial proof of greater success. Mr. Alexander proves that it's easy to criticize after the fact.
Rating:  Summary: Deeply flawed---Perhaps the worst study of Lee ever! Review: Bevin Alexander's "study" of Robert E. Lee is so bad, that it is impossible to do full justice in ripping it to shreds within this forum. The author has no grasp of the strategic realities facing the South, and as a result of that complete lack of understanding, Alexander totally fails to understand Lee and his objectives. It is regretable that the author, whose self-styled claim is that of a "military strategist," fell so short in this study.
Rating:  Summary: This Book Contains Some Inaccuracies Review: I believe that much of General Lee's feelings and motives were taken out of the correct context. The introduction in particular is very poorly researched.
Rating:  Summary: History as history Review: I found the book to be an excellent read. I find it interesting that some reviewers here take stabs at the author's credentials. Ha. A son of the South, graduate of the Citadel, Korean War veteran, respected historian for over 50 years, etc. Funny how the reviewer can hide behind the anonymity of the 'net without proclaiming his own credentials.
Rating:  Summary: History as history Review: I found the book to be an excellent read. I find it interesting that some reviewers here take stabs at the author's credentials. Ha. A son of the South, graduate of the Citadel, Korean War veteran, respected historian for over 50 years, etc. Funny how the reviewer can hide behind the anonymity of the 'net without proclaiming his own credentials.
Rating:  Summary: Good overall book about the strategy behind the war Review: I found this book to be very interesting. I couldn't lay it down until I was finished reading it. It was the first Civil War book I have read, and it is a good foundation for the others I have read since. Alexander uses a lot of detail on tactical moves that Lee and Jackson used. Lee and Jackson are both praised in the book, and Lee is criticized for his mistakes. Alexander does not criticize Lee's character, but only some tactical moves that he made on the battle field. I know hindsight is 20/20, but Alexander gives Lee is dues. Overall, this was an excellent book and fun to read.
Rating:  Summary: Interesting view of American History Review: I found this book to be very interesting. I couldn't lay it down until I was finished reading it. It was the first Civil War book I have read, and it is a good foundation for the others I have read since. Alexander uses a lot of detail on tactical moves that Lee and Jackson used. Lee and Jackson are both praised in the book, and Lee is criticized for his mistakes. Alexander does not criticize Lee's character, but only some tactical moves that he made on the battle field. I know hindsight is 20/20, but Alexander gives Lee is dues. Overall, this was an excellent book and fun to read.
Rating:  Summary: Good overall book about the strategy behind the war Review: I liked this book, although it got a little too detail oriented in a couple spots, I learned alot from this book about Robert E. Lee's overall character and strategy.
Rating:  Summary: Alexander confronts the myth and the reality of R.E.LEE Review: If only Stonewall had lived , if only Longstreet had been able to convince Lee not to fight at Gettysburg, if only Lee had understood the changing nature of war..... We will never know how things might have turned out. Bevin Alexander does a fine job of trying to look at the real LEE by setting aside the mythical LEE. This book is for the reader who is open to seeing our Heros as they were ,not as popular history portrays them. This book make Robert E. Lee a human and in the end retains Lees heroism at Appomattox.
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