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Civil War Bio's

Posted: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:39:34
by widefat
So, my fellow Virginians -
What biographies/treatments for the following would would you recommend?
I do not know enough and wish to learn more.

Lee, Meade, Buford, and Longstreet.......

Re: Civil War Bio's

Posted: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:52:38
by Eutaw
Clifford Dowdey is essential to any research in Virginia history, including Lee. His work on the Virginia Dynasties and Lee is phenomenal. Simply search him and you get a collection about Lee from Seven Days to his final campaign. Some amazing stuff. He grew up in Richmond around the FFV and really cuts out the Southern mythology developed after the war.
Meade was a prolific writer during and after the war, so many of his writings remain and has produced food for thought. Check first "The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Major-General of the United States Army." Secondly, Freeman Cleaves wrote "Meade of Gettysburg."
Longstreet has plenty of work done on him, and includes his own memoir. Look up Jeffery D Wert, LTC Harold M. Knudsen, and the memoir.
Look up Edward G Longacre for Buford. Of course, the most definitive work on Buford can be seen in the movie Gettysburg, in which John Buford is played by Sam Elliot. This might be some of the GREATEST acting anyone could ever hope to set their eyes on. Best one-liners ever.

Re: Civil War Bio's

Posted: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:45:26
by newdovo
Eutaw wrote:He grew up in Richmond around the FFV...
mmmmm... cookies.
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