Publisher's Synopsis
"A superb study; one that provides refreshingly new insight into the generalship of Robert E. Lee . . . a must for Civil War and military historians." William N. Still Jr. coauthor of Why the South Lost
"Michael Palmer says that Robert E. Lee was ′a man of military genius′ but only when he was reacting to a Union attack. When he analyzes Lee on the offensive, Palmer labels him a woefully inadequate general. Powerfully written, this no–holds–barred criticism of Lee the general will shake long–held perceptions of historians and buffs. Like this book or not, it is must reading." John R. Marszalek, Mississippi State University author of Sherman: A Soldier′s Passion for Order
"A unique and careful analysis of Lee′s generalship . . . concentrates on Lee′s conduct when on the strategic offensive. . . . He finds Lee′s failures to be significant. . . . It is an excellent and persuasive consideration of the Marble Man." Alan T. Nolan author of Lee Considered: General R. E. Lee and Civil War History
"Michael Palmer has written a good book that offers some provocative analysis of Robert E. Lee as a general. . . . [It] should inspire discussion among Civil War students." Jeffrey D. Wert author of General James Longstreet and General Custer
In a brilliant, revisionist look at the career, leadership capability, and decisive campaigns of the legendary Robert E. Lee, historian Michael A. Palmer offers a compelling new portrait of one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures of the Civil War.
Venerated on both sides of the conflict, Lee nevertheless had and continues to have passionate detractors. Those who dispute his place in history claim that the real Robert E. Lee was a soldier whose faults were so marked that he not only failed to defend the Confederacy, but also was himself a cause of its undoing. The truth, Palmer shows, is more complex, for while Lee displayed undisputed tactical brilliance when fighting on the defensive, his strategic offensives often led to disaster.
Lee Moves North explains, in riveting detail, why a commander who won a spectacular success at Chancellorsville in May 1863 could suffer so terrible a defeat only two months later at Gettysburg. In a fascinating analysis of Lee′s generalship, Palmer forcefully argues that the celebrated leader had a penchant for hastily planned offensives undertaken with virtually no logistical preparation.
Drawing on extensive documentation, including Lee′s personal correspondence, Michael Palmer focuses on the crucial period between September 1862 and November 1863 specifically, three decisive campaigns: the abortive Maryland invasion that ended at Sharpsburg, the landmark battle of Gettysburg, and the lesser–known Bristoe Station fiasco that came shortly thereafter. As he vividly recreates the battles and maneuvers, Palmer offers new interpretations of several hotly debated episodes, including J. E. B. "Jeb" Stuart′s infamous ride around the Federal army during the Gettysburg campaign. Was the alternate plan outlined by Lee in fact unworkable?
Lee Moves North reveals how the general′s penchant for secrecy about his plans a prerequisite for the political battle he waged with his superiors in Richmond undermined the Army of Northern Virginia. Keeping his true intentions hidden from President Jefferson Davis and Secretary of War James Seddon meant also keeping the plans secret from even the army′s trusted corps commanders. As a result, inadequate support, poor or nonexistent staff work, and confusion about campaign objectives all contributed to failure. In fact, Palmer′s meticulously crafted account demonstrates a direct correlation between the troubled relationship of Lee and Davis and the actual outcome on the battlefield.
Powerful and persuasive, Lee Moves North is a bold and beautifully detailed work, and a requisite addition to any Civil War collection.
