Lee's Real Plan at Gettysburg

Library Journal

The Battle of Gettysburg, long viewed as the turning point of the American Civil War, has been studied at great length. The accepted version of this seminal battle portrays General Lee as confused, with no plan, sending Pickett's men on a suicide mission on the last day. As with most military actions, the victors write the history. Harman, a National Park Service Ranger stationed at the famous battlefield, questions commonly held beliefs about why the battle unfolded in the manner it did. In doing so, he challenges more than 100 years of written history. Harman argues that General Lee had a plan at Gettysburg and followed that plan for three days. He contends that Cemetery Hill was Lee's objective and that the inconclusive attacks on July 2 and 3 were made based on Lee's battle plan. Regardless of whether one accepts Harman's line of reasoning, this book provides insights that raise serious questions about the validity of accepted historical accounts of the battle. If further research proves Harman correct, Cemetery Hill should become the focal point at Gettysburg instead of Little Round Top. Well written, easy to read, and supported with maps and notes, this work is highly recommended for all libraries, especially those with Civil War collections.-Lt. Col. (ret.) Charles M. Minyard, U.S. Army, Mt. Pleasant, MI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.