Righting the Longstreet Record at Gettysburg - by Cory M Pfarr (Paperback)

About the Book

"Follow-up to the award-winning Longstreet at Gettysburg, this collection of new essays addresses some of the persistent questions regarding Confederate General James Longstreet's performance at the Battle of Gettysburg. Influential interpretations of his actions are evaluated for historical accuracy, drawing on often overlooked primary source material. Points of contention about Longstreet's July 2, 1863, attack are examined, along with the roots of the Longstreet-Gettysburg Controversy and the merits of Helen Longstreet's early 20th century attempt to address it"--

Book Synopsis

Following up on the award-winning Longstreet at Gettysburg, this collection of new essays addresses some of the persistent questions regarding Confederate General James Longstreet's performance at the Battle of Gettysburg. Influential interpretations of his actions are evaluated for historical accuracy, drawing on often overlooked primary source material. Points of contention about Longstreet's July 2, 1863, attack are examined, along with the roots of the Longstreet-Gettysburg Controversy and the merits of Helen Longstreet's early 20th century attempt to address it.

Review Quotes

"Cory M. Pfarr's work is a powerful demonstration of the historian's craft. His command of sources is unsurpassed, and his six well-crafted essays provide important insights into how and why historical memory can be manipulated and contested. This is not a partisan defense of Confederate General James Longstreet, but a cogent and balanced examination of controversies relating to the battle which have endured for over 150 years. This important work places Pfarr at the forefront of Gettysburg scholars and will be indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the most famous battle of the American Civil War."-William Garrett Piston, author, Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant; James Longstreet and His Place in Southern History.

"Cory Pfarr addresses the enduring appeal of James Longstreet, Robert E. Lee, and Gettysburg in this fascinating new book. Readers will be richly rewarded by the insights found in each of the essays herein."-David A. Powell, award-winning author of The Chickamauga Campaign trilogy

"Cory Pfarr picks up the story from his previous work-Longstreet at Gettysburg-and explores period resources of Old Pete's contemporaries in this latest narrative. Working to place the various comments regarding Longstreet's performance in context, Pfarr continues to provide a new and balanced approach to understanding General Lee's 'Old War-Horse.'"-Michael K. Shaffer, Civil War historian, author, and instructor at Kennesaw State University's College of Graduate and Professional Education and Emory University

"Cory Pfarr's work impresses as the best treatment of the many aspects of Longstreet's role in the Confederate's controversial July 2nd attack. He displays an excellent command of both published and unpublished primary and secondary source materials, and of the historical context in which they were created. His meticulous use of primary source evidence to frame his analysis provides a fresh perspective on several persistent questions about July 2nd."-James S. Pula, Purdue University, editor of Gettysburg Magazine and author of the two-volume Under the Crescent Moon with the XI Corps in the Civil War

"Pfarr's investigation uncovers and effectively counters a number of persistent myths and misconceptions, some of which still make it into the pages of well-regarded one-volume histories...Civil War readers, both novitiate and deeply experienced alike, have powerful arguments and accumulated evidence with which to reevaluate Longstreet's actions at Gettysburg. Highly recommended."-Civil War Books and Authors

About the Author

Cory M. Pfarr works for the Department of Defense. He lives in Fallston, Maryland.