General Lee's Army

From Victory to Collapse

By: Joseph T. Glatthaar

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 25 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

This sweeping history of the Civil War and the Confederacy is told through the lens of its most crucial army: the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Robert E. Lee.

General Lee's Army takes listeners across the Rebel landscape, from campfires to battlefields to their homes, as it portrays a world of life, death, healing, and hardship. Detailing the feelings and conduct of officers and enlisted men throughout the course of the war, it demonstrates how effectively Lee's men served their country and just how close the South came to winning the great war between the states - and why it ultimately lost.

Glatthaar investigates the South's commitment to the war and its gradual erosion, and he analyzes Lee's army in triumph and defeat. Fourteen years in the making, this scholarly tour-de-force upends much of the conventional wisdom about the Civil War.

©2008 Joseph T. Glatthaar (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This well-written work provides much food for thought for all Civil War buffs." ( Publishers Weekly)

Hard to believe the stamina of this army.

While listening it was difficult not to have much empathy for the Southern soldier of the Civil War. The incredible hardships and desperate situations they faced for almost the entire war would be overwhelming to lesser men. The twist was that in the end they realized win or lose slavery was at an end, yet they fought on. It was an intersting insight into the thoughts and delimmas they faced and died for, what a waste. All-in-all it was a good book well written and eazy to listen to.

A well-researched masterpiece!

I have read many works on the American Civil War including Shelby Footes 3 volume works and I have to say that this book is a standout. The depth of research- masterful writing and insight, including intimate details of the “average Confederate soldier“ revealed in this book are not to be missed! If you want to know what the experience of fighting in general Lee’s army of northern Virginia was really like, buy this book!

Lee's soldiers

I lost this book about halfway, still waiting (to no avail) for descriptions of battles and Lee's genius. This book describes, in great detail, the demographics of Lee's army complete with numbers regarding education levels, income and wealth, and family background. I wouldn't have purchased the novel had it been described more accurately by the publisher. It's a fine work but wasn't what I was looking for and found it boring.

Well researched book

Overall, I thought it was a very good book. The author clearly attempted to provide a southern perspective without taking sides. He attempted to provide a chronicle covering the achievements of the confederate army while not justifying their motives to fight. Definitely worth a read for any Civil War history buffs

History we were never to hear about

As I look back into my ever expanding audible library, I can say that this is the best book by far.

Big Mistake

Shouldn't have made this purchase. Haven't even listen to hour #2 since first purchased this book.

Bad history, worse statistic

This book was a BIG MISS. It is a disservice to Lee and his staff's genius and mistakes. It also grossly misrepresents the metal and courage of the common soldier on both sides. If you have read anything about the civil war u will be very disappointed. It puts the confederate army on a mystical pedestal while ignoring military axioms like the impact of a flank attack, the value of good ground, west point officers vs politically appointed officers and the impact of assaulting a fortified position. It ignores the fact that the charge at Fredericksburg was no different than Picketts charge and that 2 to 1 ratio of attacker to defender wasn't enough to take the position no matter how "mythically fantastic" the soldier. The statistics in the book draw incorrect conclusions...if u have ever taken a stats class in your life you will be scratching your head at his conclusions. Don't waste your time...