George B. McClellan and Civil War history : in the shadow of Grant and Sherman / Thomas J. Rowland.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rowland, Thomas J., 1952-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885--Military leadership.

McClellan, George Brinton.

Command of troops--History--19th century.

Command of troops.

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (248 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Kent, Ohio : Kent State University Press, 1998.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

A History Book Club Selection Perhaps no other Union commander's reputation has been the subject of as much controversy as George B. McClellan's. Thomas J. Rowland presents a framework in which early Civil War command can be viewed without direct comparison to that of the final two years. Such comparisons, in his opinion, are both unfair and contextually inaccurate. Only by understanding how very different was the context and nature of the war facing McClellan, as opposed to Grant and Sherman, can one discard the traditional "good general-bad general" approach to command performance. In such a light, McClellan's career, both his shortcomings and accomplishments, can be viewed with clearer perspective.

Contents:

Of statues and shadows

A foray into the twilight zone

Little Mac's peccadilloes

The struggle becomes remorseless

Dodging the Albatross: McClellan and Grant and the safety of Washington

On to Richmond: illusion of easy victory, 1861-1862

The first will be last and the last will be first

Bagging Bobby Lee

Emerging from the shadows.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 239-242) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-61277-181-5