THE NORTHERN GENERALS

Colonel Red Reeder, assistant director of athletics at West Point, presents his account of the Union generals in what is virtually a chronological military history of the Civil War. He emphasizes the character and leadership required and the lack of these qualities which plagued the Northern Army throughout much of the War. The language is simple and well-phrased. The assessments of men and action may be ero-shattering, but they are factually accurate. At times, the over-simplication of the complexities of personality and situation may appear more condemnatory than a full investigation of each individual might warrant. Eminently readable, the book is based on primary and secondary sources acknowledged in a bibliography. This fascinating introduction to military history, strategy, and the responsibilities of leadership provides a critical look at a period of American history, that is, more often than not, literally covered up in glory.