{"product_id":"the-generals-civil-war-what-their-memoirs-can-teach-us-today-9781469665016","title":"The Generals' Civil War: What Their Memoirs Can Teach Us Today","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThe first volume of the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant was published in December 1885, and it became a popular sensation. Other Civil War generals also published their memoirs, which were seen as an important foundation for chronicling American history. Stephen Cushman's book explores how market forces shaped the production of the memoirs and how audiences have engaged with them to create ideas of history that fit with their time and circumstance. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 240 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 September 2021\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: The University of North Carolina Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn December 1885, under the watchful eye of Mark Twain, the publishing firm of Charles L. Webster and Company released the first volume of the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. With a second volume published in March 1886, Grant's memoirs became a popular sensation. Seeking to capitalize on Grant's success and interest in earlier reminiscences by Joseph E. Johnston, William T. Sherman, and Richard Taylor, other Civil War generals such as George B. McClellan and Philip H. Sheridan soon followed suit. Some hewed more closely to Grant's model than others, and their points of similarity and divergence left readers increasingly fascinated with the history and meaning of the nation's great conflict. The writings also dovetailed with a rising desire to see the full sweep of American history chronicled, as its citizens looked to the start of a new century. Professional historians engaged with the memoirs as an important foundation for this work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this insightful book, Stephen Cushman considers Civil War generals' memoirs as both historical and literary works, revealing how they remain vital to understanding the interaction of memory, imagination, and the writing of American history. Cushman shows how market forces shaped the production of the memoirs and, therefore, memories of the war itself; how audiences have engaged with the works to create ideas of history that fit with time and circumstance; and what these texts tell us about current conflicts over the history and meanings of the Civil War.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Civil War memoirs of generals such as Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, and George B. McClellan have been widely studied and celebrated for their insights into the conflict and its aftermath. These memoirs offer a unique perspective on the war, providing a firsthand account of the events and experiences of the generals themselves. However, these memoirs are not without their challenges and controversies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the primary challenges of Civil War memoirs is the issue of bias. Many generals wrote their memoirs with a particular agenda in mind, whether it was to defend their actions during the war or to promote a particular political or ideological perspective. This bias can lead to a distorted view of the war and its participants, particularly when the memoirs are written decades after the events they describe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother challenge is the issue of memory. As time passes, memories can fade and become distorted, particularly when the events being remembered are traumatic or emotionally charged. This can lead to errors and inconsistencies in the memoirs, particularly when the authors are relying on their memories rather than primary sources or other documentation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, Civil War memoirs remain an important source of historical information and insight. They provide a window into the minds\u003cbr\u003einto the minds of the generals who led the Union and Confederate armies during the war, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations, strategies, and personal experiences. They also offer a valuable perspective on the social and cultural context of the war, shedding light on the experiences of ordinary soldiers, women, and African Americans who were affected by the conflict.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to their historical value, Civil War memoirs can also be appreciated for their literary merit. Many of these memoirs are written in a compelling and engaging style, and they offer a glimpse into the minds and personalities of the generals who wrote them. They can be read for their entertainment value, as well as for their educational value, providing a valuable insight into the human experience of war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most celebrated Civil War memoirs is the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, written by the Union general himself. Grant's memoirs were published in three volumes between 1885 and 1889, and they provide a detailed account of his life and career, from his early years in Missouri to his service in the Civil War and his role as President of the United States. Grant's memoirs are known for their honesty and integrity, and they offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a successful military leader.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother notable Civil War memoir is the Memoirs of William T. Sherman, written by the Union general and politician. Sherman's memoirs were published in two volumes between 1886 and 1888, and they provide a detailed account of his life and career, from his early years in Ohio to his service in the Civil War and his role as a political leader. Sherman's memoirs are known for their bluntness and directness, and they offer a critical assessment of the war and its participants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge B. McClellan's memoirs, The Life and Letters of George B. McClellan, were published in two volumes between 1887 and 1889. McClellan's memoirs provide a detailed account of his life and career, from his early years in Pennsylvania to his service in the Civil War and his role as a political leader. McClellan's memoirs are known for their self-doubt and introspection, and they offer a unique perspective on the war and its participants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhilip H. Sheridan's memoirs, The Life and Campaigns of Philip H. Sheridan, were published in two volumes between 1888 and 1890. Sheridan's memoirs provide a detailed account of his life and career, from his early years in Virginia to his service in the Civil War and his role as a political leader. Sheridan's memoirs are known for their humor and wit, and they offer a critical assessment of the war and its participants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to these memoirs, there are many other Civil War memoirs that have been published over the years. These memoirs offer a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, and they provide a valuable insight into the war and its aftermath. Some of these memoirs are written by lesser-known generals, while others are written by more prominent figures such as Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the challenges and controversies surrounding Civil War memoirs, they remain an important source of historical information and insight. They provide a window into the minds and personalities of the generals who led the Union and Confederate armies during the war, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations, strategies, and personal experiences. They also offer a valuable perspective on the social and cultural context of the war, shedding light on the experiences of ordinary soldiers, women, and African Americans who were affected by the conflict.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Civil War memoirs are a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Civil War and its aftermath. They provide a unique perspective on the war and its participants, and they offer a valuable insight into the social and cultural context of the war. While there are challenges and controversies surrounding these memoirs, they remain an important source of historical information and insight. By studying and appreciating these memoirs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Civil War and its impact on American history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 333g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 235 x 155 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781469665016\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stephen Cushman","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":42669592019194,"sku":"9781469665016","price":72.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1646165360851_book.jpg?v=1646916990","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/the-generals-civil-war-what-their-memoirs-can-teach-us-today-9781469665016","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}