Longstreet at Gettysburg

A Critical Reassessment

By: Cory M. Pfarr

Narrated by: Mike Hennessy

This is the first book-length, critical analysis of Lieutenant General James Longstreet's actions at the Battle of Gettysburg. The author argues that Longstreet's record has been discredited unfairly, beginning with character assassination by his contemporaries after the war and, persistently, by historians in the decades since. By closely studying the three-day battle, and conducting an incisive historiographical inquiry into Longstreet's treatment by scholars, this book presents an alternative view of Longstreet as an effective military leader, and refutes over a century of negative evaluations of his performance.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 McFarland (P)2023 McFarland

Critic reviews

Winner, 2019, Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable's Distinguished Book Award, best book published on the Gettysburg Campaign

Long overdue, fearless scholarship

I enjoyed the author’s fresh perspectives in this monograph and he’s not afraid to challenge established historians who repeat old shopworn narratives without scrutiny. I particularly enjoyed the discussions around Ewell, Hill, Anderson, Rodes, and Pender because I’ve often wondered about their roles on Day 2 and lack of critical examination surrounding their participation. Great read!

A Suburb Look at a Much-Maligned Leader

Napoleon is reputed to have said, "History is lies, agreed upon." The common treatment of James Longstreet could be cited as proof that Napoleon knew whereof he spoke. Indeed, there is no General on either side of the Civil War, with the possible exceptions of Grant and Sherman, who have received worse treatment at the hands of the self-appointed Southern crowd who tried to hijack the nation's memory of the events of 1861-1865.

According to this crew, Longstreet committed two great sins. First, he acted upon his belief in reconciliation between North and South once the War ended. Second, and more importantly, he was right when the great idol of the Lost Cause, General R.E. Lee, was wrong. For these sins against the South, Longstreet was to be punished for the rest of his life, and for much of the century-plus that followed.

The marvelous thing that Mr. Pfarr does in his book is to examine the work of those who held aloft the legend of the Lost Cause. He then systematically refutes their misconceptions, pointing out the lack of historical evidence for them, the fact that some of their assertions were impossible in terms of time and distance, and, above all, that Longstreet's temperament and actions belied their petty accusations.

Those who want to cuddle up at night with their vision of the faultless Lee and Stonewall Jackson will not enjoy this book. Mr. Pharr writes for those who embrace a truth that squares with the available evidence.

Appreciate the Perspective

Appreciated the perspective and found myself thinking on this book as I re-watched the movie Gettysburg and how Longstreet was portraid.

the author had shown his work

very well researched and thought out. This one is more for the hard core civil war needs out there but for them this is a delight.

Longstreet Vindicated

Great read. I am looking forward to your next book. I saw you on CWRT and Addressing Gettysburg.

Longstreet was Right

Lee’s Old War Horse at Gettysburg was right and as Freeman notes the failure there was Lee’s. Lee’s piecemeal throwing the ANV against entrenched Federal forces was shortsighted and a waste of manpower that was irresponsible and unnecessary. The third day frontal attack was nigh unto murder.