Lincoln's Generals

In Lincoln’s Generals , Gabor S. Boritt and a team of distinguished historians examine the interaction between Abraham Lincoln and his five key Civil War generals: McClellan, Hooker, Meade, Sherman, and Grant, providing fresh insight into this mixed bag of officers and the president’s tireless efforts to work with them. The president’s relationship with his generals was never easy. Stephen W. Sears underscores McClellan’s perverse obstinacy as Lincoln tried to drive him ahead. Pulitzer Prize–winner Mark E. Neely Jr. sheds new light on the president’s relationship with Hooker, arguing that he was wrong to push the general to attack at Chancellorsville. Boritt writes about Lincoln’s prickly relationship with the victor of Gettysburg, “old snapping turtle” George Meade. Michael Fellman reveals the political stress between the White House and Sherman, a staunch conservative who did not want blacks in his army but who was crucial to the war effort. And John Y. Simon looks past the legendary camaraderie between Lincoln and Grant to reveal the tensions in their relationship. These authors take us inside the personalities and relationships that shaped the course of the nation’s most costly war.

"This is a splendid volume, highly recommended for all levels, from general readers to academic specialists."-Choice Choice "These lucid essays will serve as excellent resources on any of the men under discussion."--School Library Journal School Library Journal "An intriguing collection of essays covering much familiar ground, but with enough new insights and fresh perspectives to interest both Civil War buffs and casual readers... Five thoughtful and well-written essays, further grist for the mill of seemingly endless fascination with America's costliest war."--Kirkus Kirkus "So much of that pile [of Civil War books] is dross, but this [one] is golden."--Booklist Booklist "Full of unexpected portraits and anecdotes, Lincoln's Generals gives us a surprising glimpse of Lincoln himself as a leader often more astute in his strategic assessments than the professional soldiers who fought this war."-Book-of-the-Month Club News Book-of-the Month Club News "Fascinating and provocative... Each of these gracefully written and intelligently argued essays is a little gem."-David Herbert Donald, author of Lincoln David Herbert Donald

Gabor S. Boritt, founder of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College and former Robert Fluhrer Professor of Civil War studies there, has authored, coauthored, or edited sixteen books about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War and received the National Humanities Medal in 2008. Today he serves on the boards of the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum Foundation and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.