Jeb Stuart and the Confederate Defeat at Gettysburg - by Warren C Robinson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"The Army was much embarrassed by the absence of the cavalry," Robert E. Lee wrote of the Gettysburg campaign, stirring a controversy that continues even today. Lee's statement was an indirect indictment of Gen. James Ewell Brown ("Jeb") Stuart, who was the cavalry. This book reexamines the questions that have shadowed the legendary Confederate hero and offers a fresh, informed interpretation of his role at Gettysburg.

Avoiding the partisan pros and cons characterizing previous accounts, Warren C. Robinson reassesses the historical record to come to a clearer view of Stuart's orders for the crucial battle (as well as what was expected of him), of his actual performance, and of the impact his late arrival had on the outcome of the campaign. Though Stuart may not have disobeyed Lee's orders, Robinson argues, he did abuse the general's discretion by raiding Washington rather than scouting for the army at Gettysburg--a move that profoundly affected Confederate fortunes and perhaps the war itself.

Review Quotes

"The last chapter, 'The Consequences of Stuart's Raid, ' was most fascinating and enlightening. The author renders seven judgments on the raid, and each is worthy of its own professional dissertation. . . . Surely [the author] has produced a book that causes one to re-examine cherished ideas about [the Gettysburg campaign]. You may come away holding your former beliefs, but you will be forced to reexamine them. This book is a must for anyone interested in the Gettysburg campaign."--Charles H. Bogart, "Journal of America's Military Past" --Charles H. Bogart"Journal of America's Military Past" (04/22/2008)

"This is an enthralling work of history."--Maj. Jeffrey C. Alfier, USAF, Ret./i>--Maj. Jeffrey C. Alfier"Military Review" (04/03/2008)

About the Author

Warren C. Robinson is a professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University. He is the editor of numerous works in the field of economics and the author of many articles on military history and policy. He is currently a freelance writer and consultant based in Washington DC.