MWSA Book Review

Plenty Of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg

Authors:  Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi

Publisher:  Savas Beatie

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

The Battle of Gettysburg – The Controversy Lives on in New Book!

The publishing company of Savas Beattie continues to enhance their literary portfolio of intelligent, and scholarly researched history books that also are entertaining. The newest entree in their vast library of book offerings takes on the most famous battle of the American Civil War – Gettysburg. Authors Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi have delivered the most definitive book on that controversial battle in their 428 page epic “Plenty Of Blame To Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg.”

Was Jeb Stuart the goat for the loss of this battle? Did he fail, or worse yet, disobey General Lee’s orders by leaving the Confederate Army without the cavalry providing any “eyes and ears” which allowed for the two Armies to un-expectantly collide at Gettysburg? In other words, Stuart was supposed to riding point for General Lee and his failure to be there put the entire battle in a tactical disadvantage for the southern forces; or so is the premise of this historic accounting of that battle.

The authors have researched extensively and have rich details of the battle plans, the actual battle, the men behind the action, the whys and the “what happen” are all covered and even the “what if” questions are addressed. They dig down into the past using all available “voices” by including in their research both the views of early post war commentators and that of more modern scholars. This gives the reader a huge insightful look at what unfolded from all points of view. There are many new fresh and previously untapped sources of information that contribute to this being a bigger than life chronicle and analysis of the most viscously fought battle ever on American soil. It was a blood bath and everyone on both sides suffered but ultimately this was the south’s undoing and the beginning of the end for their army.

Almost every American has heard of the Battle at Gettysburg but very few know the real story and the fascinating facts that surround that fateful event. If you were ever going to read just one book on the Civil War I would suggest that you make it this one. This is a reading adventure at its best; a history book that you will read like a novel.

The MWSA gives this book its top rating of FIVE STARS! It also gets my personal endorsement and recommendation.