I recently had the opportunity to read a new book by historian Jeffry  Wert entitled, A Glorious Army: Robert E. Lee’s Triumph, 1862-1863.  Jeffry Wert is an amazing Civil War historian and author of numerous books on the Civil War including my favorite Gettysburg, Day Three.

In his new book, A Glorious Army: Robert E. Lee’s Triumph, 1862-1863, Wert provides another excellent narrative on one of the most difficult times in our history.  This particular book covers a very specific 13 month period with the Confederate Army, from June 1, 1863 (when R.E. Lee took command) until the end of the Gettysburg Campaign in late July 1863.

Throughout the book, Wert examines the motivation, planning and thinking that Lee considered as part of his desire to defeat the Union army.  The book further details how Lee could not continue to fight the war under the conditions he faced including limited supplies and an ever decreasing army including many field officers such as Stonewall Jackson.

The book is not a detailed battle analysis like Gettysburg, Day Three, but rather an overview of this critical time in the Army of Northern Virginia.  This fast-paced book is also full of little details into the icon of the Confederate Army and many of his subordinate staff.   In addition,  Wert discusses other historians perspectives on Lee including the likes of Gabor Borritt, Peter Carmichael, Gary Gallagher, Joseph Glatthaar, Joseph Harsh, Donald Pfanz, Steven Woodworth and many others.

Still, A Glorious Army is a first-rate study by one of today’s first-rate historians of the Civil War. I have no doubts that this book is already on the “must read” lists of almost every student of the conflict. It is a fine work, masterfully written. We would expect no less from Mr. Wert.

Finally, this great book is full of attractive, usable maps and good illustrations.  The book also has a detailed and complete set of end notes, index and bibliography.

Jeffery Wert is an excellent authors and this is one of his best books and I highly recommend it to any Civil War enthusiast.

Hardcover: 400 pages, 29 b/w photographs, 9 maps

Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1St Edition edition (April 5, 2011)

ISBN-10: 1416593349