General Lee: His Campaigns in Virginia, 1861-1865

By Walter H. Taylor

Book Overview

The crucial Civil War battles in the East--from First Manassas to Antietam to Gettysburg--are described from the point of view of General Robert E. Lee's staff officer, Walter Taylor. Originally published in 1906, General Lee: His Campaigns in Virginia, 1861-1865 is rich in reminiscences. Working closely with Lee, Taylor prepared reports, delivered messages, and saw the general every day. As postwar controversies swirled, he was often called on to set the record straight. This book is important not only for Taylor's military knowledge but also for his perception of the character of Lee. Others shown under the stress of fire are Stonewall Jackson, James Longstreet, Jeb Stuart, and A. P. Hill. But the true heroes are the Confederate soldiers who fought doggedly, though outnumbered and often poorly provisioned. Well documented and carrying valuable maps of major battlefields, Taylor's book reveals how participants in the Lost Cause chose to remember it.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803294255
• ISBN13: 9780803294257
• Release Date: November 1994
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

An exellent account of the ANV!

Walter Taylor offers a great perspective into the charater of General Lee, the ability of his subordinates, and the fighting courage of the army itself. Taylor's book should be read by any Civil War buff since Taylor was actually there as Lee's adjutant general. While those critical of Lee may find Taylor to be too defensive and loyal to Lee, one can only continue to admire the Greatest General of the Civil War. I like to take in both sides of the issue concerning Lee, but I have found that Lee was an able, moral, and intelligent leader with weaknesses like every human. The only reason I didn't give this book a five is because of Taylor's subtle criticism of General Longstreet, while he does give him deserved credit.