Meade at Gettysburg

A Study in Command

By: Kent Masterson Brown

Narrated by: Shawn Compton

Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Using Meade's published and unpublished papers along with a variety of other sources, Brown highlights how Meade's rapid advance of the army to Gettysburg on July 1, his tactical control and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 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.

©2021 The University of North Carolina Press (P)2021 Tantor

Makes Strong Case for Meade

This book admirably makes its case that Meade’s generalship at Gettysburg was excellent and that he was justified in not attacking Lee’s strongly fortified lines before Lee’s army retreated over the Potomac. As to the latter Lee was effectively dug in and the numbers of the two armies were almost equal. While the author did not discuss Grant, Grant later always had superior numbers allowing him to be aggressive. The battle scenes at Gettysburg are from Meade’s perspective and so are intentionally not complete.

Finally! Well Deserved.

Wonderfully written analysis of Meade’s contributions for the Union at Gettysburg. A new look at some of the reasons for Meade’s decisions after the Battle of Gettysburg. If you like history, especially Civil War history, then you will not be disappointed in this book.

This is a great book

Finally got a good understanding of what Meade had to do an deal with. A better understanding of how the armies really got into the battle. Meade did a great job in a short time an even that I like Lincoln a lot, best man for the time, politics always gets in the when trying to do your job. No wonder Hancock, Reynolds’s turned down the job.

Fantastic Book

Everything about this book was excellent, except for the minor point that some seemingly well known names/words were mispronounced.

An interesting study in command...

of Meade. The narration was mediocre and he mispronounced many names and places which was distracting. A better narrator would have improved the listening experience.

Radical Republicans

Excellent book....more books on Meade are needed....Lincoln tried this same path with Grant....Grant remained silent and Lincoln got the message....Lee was a force to recon with....even a wounded Lee was dangerous.....

Evan's Review

Good book if you like to Civil War. Since I'm going back to Gettysburg I wanted to get a Review of the battle. Areas if the battlefield that have just been opened up I wanted to hear the story again. One of the things that is overlooked by the casual reader is logistics in the movement of both armies to Gettysburg or any battle of this size and scope.

Great Book

I truly enjoyed this book. Meade was a amazing officer. Lucky such greatness was chosen for the time.

Best Civil War Book Ever

Absolutely thorough in explaining the circumstances and actions of General Meade. I learned a great deal about the tactical problems and the conditions of the Army of the Potomac in this comprehensive and well told narrative.

Excellent historical reference of General Meade at Gettysburg

Very, very, very detailed report of the Army up to, during and after this famous battle. I learned a lot of the Army’s movements and strategies.