More to Read on Meade
On the heels of his recent post on Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade, we asked Rob Orrison for some reading suggestions that might shed some light on Meade’s stormy winter of command in 1863-64. Rob was pleased to offer us the following:
Searching for George Gordon Meade: The Forgotten Victor of Gettysburg by Tom Huntington
Not a typical academic biography of Meade, but an easy read and an insightful look into Meade during the war and how he is remembered today. The author mixes biographical information with his travels to places relating to Meade and his life. (see Ryan Quint’s recent ECW review)
Road to Bristoe Station: Campaigning With Lee and Meade August 1- October 20, 1863 by William Henderson
The first published work on the Bristoe Station campaign. Great coverage of the campaign and Meade’s relationship with Halleck and Lincoln. There are a few editing flaws, and Henderson was not aware of the many new sources on the campaign that are now available.
The Bristoe Campaign by Adrian Tighe
A more recent, comprehensive self-published work on the entire Bristoe Station campaign. There are some editing issues and the maps are not very clear, but it’s a well-researched book and covers new sources and theories.
The Maps of the Bristoe Station and Mine Run Campaigns by Bradley Gottfried
Most recent account of the Bristoe Station and Mine Run campaigns. Gottfried’s focus is on maps with short descriptive narratives. Good overview of both campaigns with some review of Meade’s relationship with the administration in Washington, D.C. (See Chris Mackowski’s review.)
The Life and Letters of General George Gordon Meade by George Meade
The best primary source on George Meade. Meade’s letters provide great insight into his personality and mindset during the fall of 1863.
Meade’s Army: The Private Notebooks of Lt. Col. Theodore Lyman by David Lowe
Serving as Meade’s aide-de-camp; starting in September 1863, Lyman had a first hand view of Meade’s struggles with Washington. Lyman’s letters are a must read for anyone interested in the history of the Army of the Potomac from the fall of 1863 to the end of the war.
From Gettysburg to the Rapidan: The Army of the Potomac July 1863 – April 1864 by Andrew Humphreys
One of the best primary accounts of this time period by Meade’s chief of staff.
Excellent idea to group by topic. I can hardly wait until ECW becomes an acceptable online source for Bibliographies & Sources Cited. Chris–how do you feel about the rapid changes in this area for sourcing? What do you allow in your classroom?