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Robert E. Lee and His High Command
Few events have captivated students of American history like the Civil War. Its most striking personalities seem somehow outsized, magnified beyond the ability of books or even legend to contain them. And few among those personalities have ever held our attention like General Robert Edward Lee. With his Army of Northern Virginia, Lee came to embody the cause of the Confederacy itself, inspiring a commitment from troops and civilians that eventually overshadowed even those given to its political leaders and institutions. This riveting series of 24 lectures from one of the nation's most respected Civil War historians explains how this came to pass, and how - in a war that produced no other successful Confederate armies - this amazing leader was able to create and inspire an army whose achievements resonated not only across the Confederacy but also throughout the North and in foreign capitals like London and Paris. You'll learn what Lee was actually like, and gain insights into his ideas about strategy and tactics. You'll grasp how battlefield events influenced public opinion on the home fronts of both the Union and the Confederacy. And, most of all, you'll grasp how crucial Lee's choices in forming his high command were to the war's events and outcome. These lectures have been designed to appeal to everyone who wants to understand more about the Civil War and why it unfolded as it did, whether your interest is in the strategy and tactics underlying its major battles or in the broader context within which those battles took place.
12 CDs with course guide booklets. Six hours run time.
12 CDs with course guide booklets. Six hours run time.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2004
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About the author
Gary W. Gallagher
107 books98 followersGary W. Gallagher, the John L. Nau III Professor of History at the University of Virginia, is the author or editor of many books in the field of Civil War history, including The Confederate War; Causes Won, Lost, and Forgotten: How Hollywood and Popular Art Shape What We Know about the Civil War; and The Union War.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 21, 2020
I’ve worked my way through a few of these Audible Great Courses, presented by renowned history professors and supported by comprehensive written material. They’re not hard work, indeed I find them more user friendly than some densely written books I’ve read covering the same ground. The lectures (each typically 30 - 45 minutes in length) actually feel less academic, more engaging and, as a result, far easier to digest. Professor Gary Gallaher is one of my favourites, his love of his subject is truly evident and he’s adept at laying out the facts in a way that paints a vivid picture of the sad but magnificent story that it really is. In this series of lectures he examines Robert E. Lee and his senior officers in the Army of Northern Virginia, by far the most important army fighting for the Confederates.
There’s a good deal of early focus on Lee but Gallagher then gives detailed attention to his three most successful infantry corps commanders: Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, James Longstreet and Jubal Early. Ten further generals are covered in subsequent lectures. As well as learning a good deal about the individuals there’s a lot here about many of the great battles they fought, the politics of the time and how, after the war, the writings of those who became known as the Lost Cause school of interpretation sought to influence how subsequent generations would interpret the conflict. Amongst these, the writings of Lee’s subordinates typically exposed a desire to exaggerate their own role, denigrate others and paint a picture that, from a Southern point of view, the war wasn’t about protecting the right to slave ownership but rather it was all about a desire to win independence. Gallagher scoffs at this, pointing to writings and speeches delivered by the same people at the outset of the campaign.
Overall, another brilliant set of lectures which really did increase my understanding of not only some of the key players but also of the broader conflict.
There’s a good deal of early focus on Lee but Gallagher then gives detailed attention to his three most successful infantry corps commanders: Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, James Longstreet and Jubal Early. Ten further generals are covered in subsequent lectures. As well as learning a good deal about the individuals there’s a lot here about many of the great battles they fought, the politics of the time and how, after the war, the writings of those who became known as the Lost Cause school of interpretation sought to influence how subsequent generations would interpret the conflict. Amongst these, the writings of Lee’s subordinates typically exposed a desire to exaggerate their own role, denigrate others and paint a picture that, from a Southern point of view, the war wasn’t about protecting the right to slave ownership but rather it was all about a desire to win independence. Gallagher scoffs at this, pointing to writings and speeches delivered by the same people at the outset of the campaign.
Overall, another brilliant set of lectures which really did increase my understanding of not only some of the key players but also of the broader conflict.
June 15, 2017
This is a 24 part lecture series that focuses in on Robert E Lee. It covers his leadership style, how he interacted with and managed his generals, his relationship with Jefferson Davis, and his decision making processes during the war. The course profiles some of the more significant commanders that served under him and why each of these succeeded or failed under Lee's leadership style. This is my second Great Courses series by Gallagher and I have also watched many of his other lectures. In my mind, he is by far the best lecturer on the topic of the Civil War that I have come across. I would highly recommend this course and his other Great Courses lecture called The American Civil War.
September 27, 2017
There is no doubt...
...that Professor Gallagher's lectures on Robert E Lee and his command officers (within the Army of Northern Virginia) are an excellent companion to his lectures "American Civil War", allowing us to delve deeper into the actions and personalities of the Confederate military leadership.
There is no doubt that Lee is the most famous military leader of the Civil War, whose likeness is easily recognized by all (yes, even on postage stamps!). At the time I'm writing this review there is a raging controversy regarding statues on display throughout the South...most of which are either of R.E.Lee or one of his generals. Are they offensive and do they represent a reminder, or even glorification, of slavery? Yet he has become part of the cultural picture of the USA, not just the South. We surely can take for granted (yep, I did that) that there are many Lee High schools, whose mascots are 'The Rebels'. These lectures examine the man on his merits...warts and all. All in all, he comes out pretty well. One has to wonder how the Civil War might have been different had Lee opted to side with the Union.
There is no doubt Lee wanted to surround himself with the most able subordinates...men like Jackson, Longstreet, Early, Hill, Ewell, Alexander and many more (16 generals are discussed, briefly describing their background, personalities and selected military actions during the war...special attention is given to Jackson, Longstreet and Early...and, of course Lee).
There is no doubt that all of these military leaders were fighting for the independence of the Confederate States of America...and the right of these states to own slaves. While most of the free (white) men who fought (and died by the thousands) for the Confederacy did not own slaves, all of the commanding officers did...many of them coming from privilege...nearly all West Point graduates. The 'Lost Cause' revisionists all seem to forget this, the most important reason for the conflict. In the end, slavery was officially eliminated, but racism remains to this day...
There is no doubt that these lectures are very well organized and enthusiastically presented...Professor Gallagher is superb!
And there certainly is no doubt that I fully recommend these lectures, but seriously doubt that you'll find a better bargain when the course is on sale and you have a coupon (I paid a little under $.50/lecture).
...that Professor Gallagher's lectures on Robert E Lee and his command officers (within the Army of Northern Virginia) are an excellent companion to his lectures "American Civil War", allowing us to delve deeper into the actions and personalities of the Confederate military leadership.
There is no doubt that Lee is the most famous military leader of the Civil War, whose likeness is easily recognized by all (yes, even on postage stamps!). At the time I'm writing this review there is a raging controversy regarding statues on display throughout the South...most of which are either of R.E.Lee or one of his generals. Are they offensive and do they represent a reminder, or even glorification, of slavery? Yet he has become part of the cultural picture of the USA, not just the South. We surely can take for granted (yep, I did that) that there are many Lee High schools, whose mascots are 'The Rebels'. These lectures examine the man on his merits...warts and all. All in all, he comes out pretty well. One has to wonder how the Civil War might have been different had Lee opted to side with the Union.
There is no doubt Lee wanted to surround himself with the most able subordinates...men like Jackson, Longstreet, Early, Hill, Ewell, Alexander and many more (16 generals are discussed, briefly describing their background, personalities and selected military actions during the war...special attention is given to Jackson, Longstreet and Early...and, of course Lee).
There is no doubt that all of these military leaders were fighting for the independence of the Confederate States of America...and the right of these states to own slaves. While most of the free (white) men who fought (and died by the thousands) for the Confederacy did not own slaves, all of the commanding officers did...many of them coming from privilege...nearly all West Point graduates. The 'Lost Cause' revisionists all seem to forget this, the most important reason for the conflict. In the end, slavery was officially eliminated, but racism remains to this day...
There is no doubt that these lectures are very well organized and enthusiastically presented...Professor Gallagher is superb!
And there certainly is no doubt that I fully recommend these lectures, but seriously doubt that you'll find a better bargain when the course is on sale and you have a coupon (I paid a little under $.50/lecture).
November 4, 2022
In 2004 The Teaching Company released University of Virginia Professor Gary Gallagher’s 24 lecture course “Robert E. Lee and His High Command.” Each lecture is 30 minutes long. The course focuses on how Lee’s leadership impacted Southern war strategies and tactics. The course also features lectures on 14 generals that executed or failed to execute these strategies. The course ends with a discussion of post war memoir writings designed to “… influence the ways subsequent generations would interpret the conflict.” This “lost cause” interpretation according to Professor Gallagher is fraught with problems and inaccuracies. The course guidebook is exceptional. The timeline chronicles 142 key events from November 1860 to December 18, 1865. The events are annotated and very helpful in understanding Civil War history. The guide also has an annotated bibliography and a wonderful glossary of terms. (P)
February 19, 2023
This was an astute blend of biography, general history, military strategy, and philosophical discussion. By going over the same battles multiples time through the narratives of different generals, the listener solidifies her understanding of the shape and impact of those battles. In an early lecture, Gallagher ardently defends that Lee was indeed pro-Confederacy and pro-slavery in his politics. In the last lecture, he ably takes down the "Lost Cause" philosophy that sought to rewrite and recast Southern history and politics in a more favorable light. This series helped me understand the origins of the Lost Cause mythology in the legacy and writings of some of these revered Confederate generals.
January 27, 2024
Gallagher is a superb lecturer and writer, and an unbiased expert on one of the most controversial periods of American history.
In this lecture series he gives honest appraisals of the merits and shortcomings of Robert E. Lee, and the generals serving under him during the Civil War.
I cannot recommend this lecture series enough. I’ll go further to recommend any book that he’s ever written. I would also encourage readers to check out his lectures that are available on YouTube.
He is an extraordinarily prolific writer. If I were to devote myself to reading just his books for the rest of my life, I might not be able to make it to the end of the list. Of course, at this writing I am 67 years old, so there is perhaps no hyperbole. He has an incredible number of books.
In this lecture series he gives honest appraisals of the merits and shortcomings of Robert E. Lee, and the generals serving under him during the Civil War.
I cannot recommend this lecture series enough. I’ll go further to recommend any book that he’s ever written. I would also encourage readers to check out his lectures that are available on YouTube.
He is an extraordinarily prolific writer. If I were to devote myself to reading just his books for the rest of my life, I might not be able to make it to the end of the list. Of course, at this writing I am 67 years old, so there is perhaps no hyperbole. He has an incredible number of books.
May 11, 2019
Interesting but a bit scattershot. The fake applause at the start and end of each lecture was, as always with this company's offerings, grating after awhile. Professor Gallagher was enthusiastic, balanced in his approach and obviously an expert at this topic. His voice was clearly not that of a professional, but for all that worked reasonably well.
The edition I listened to was the Overdrive library edition, ISBN 9781682764909, not the audio CD, but this ISBN is not listed on GoodReads, alas.
The edition I listened to was the Overdrive library edition, ISBN 9781682764909, not the audio CD, but this ISBN is not listed on GoodReads, alas.
September 17, 2022
Great review of Robert E Lee and his most notable commanders. Uses many primary source materials but isn’t too academic at all. I especially like Dr. Gallagher’s details on relationships, actual details of actions, younger lesser known commanders and most of all the Lost Cause. Well worth the time and makes me want to learn more.
September 20, 2022
One of the most detailed courses I have ever heard! DR. Gallagher is an expert bar none! I am a Civil War buff and I learned things in these 12 hours of lecture I did not know previously! This course deserves the highest praise!
March 9, 2017
Listened to these lectures as part of the research for a book of my own. This course paints a very vivid picture of Robert E. Lee's High Command, the officers who served alongside, and reported to Lee.
For me, there is a great deal to reflect on and learn from in a management perspective as Lee had to deal with many different types of characters and personality types.
For me, there is a great deal to reflect on and learn from in a management perspective as Lee had to deal with many different types of characters and personality types.
February 23, 2015
Gary W. Gallagher's "Robert E. Lee and His High Command" is part of the Great Course series. "Robert E. Lee and His High Command" discusses the Commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and his immediate senior sub-commanders and staff.
The course consists of 24 lectures. Each lecture is approximately 30 minutes long. The lectures generally concentrate on a single personality.
Dr.Gallagher is a Professor History at the University of Virginia. he is an expert in both the material and in presenting it.
"Robert E. Lee and His High Command" deftly approaches the material from many different directions. It is part an Operational and Strategic level military theory. It is part a study of Military Leadership. It is part Psychological analysis. And it is part a study of Organizational Management. (Albeit, of an organization designed to kill and maim. And to handle death and injury of its own members.)
I am familiar, at least at some level, to the history of the Civil War and the role of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. However, I found Dr Gallagher's discussion of the issues of leadership at the highest levels of the Army fascinating.
Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was the top team of the Confederacy. It had first call on the resources of the Confederacy. This course describes some of the methods that Robert E Lee used to build and manage the Army to its high level of capability. It also discusses how he recruited, trained, managed, and replaced his top subordinates.
Gallagher also discusses, a bit, on the unique productivity and cost issues associated with military combat units. That is, that it inflicts death, destruction, and injury on its "competitors". And receives the same in return.
Additionally, Gallagher discusses the unique aspects of the framework that the 1860's South imposed upon Lee and his organization.
I would recommend this course to those interested in history, military studies. I would also recommend this to those interested in organizational leadership.
The course consists of 24 lectures. Each lecture is approximately 30 minutes long. The lectures generally concentrate on a single personality.
Dr.Gallagher is a Professor History at the University of Virginia. he is an expert in both the material and in presenting it.
"Robert E. Lee and His High Command" deftly approaches the material from many different directions. It is part an Operational and Strategic level military theory. It is part a study of Military Leadership. It is part Psychological analysis. And it is part a study of Organizational Management. (Albeit, of an organization designed to kill and maim. And to handle death and injury of its own members.)
I am familiar, at least at some level, to the history of the Civil War and the role of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. However, I found Dr Gallagher's discussion of the issues of leadership at the highest levels of the Army fascinating.
Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was the top team of the Confederacy. It had first call on the resources of the Confederacy. This course describes some of the methods that Robert E Lee used to build and manage the Army to its high level of capability. It also discusses how he recruited, trained, managed, and replaced his top subordinates.
Gallagher also discusses, a bit, on the unique productivity and cost issues associated with military combat units. That is, that it inflicts death, destruction, and injury on its "competitors". And receives the same in return.
Additionally, Gallagher discusses the unique aspects of the framework that the 1860's South imposed upon Lee and his organization.
I would recommend this course to those interested in history, military studies. I would also recommend this to those interested in organizational leadership.
October 4, 2018
I've only read the transcript book, so this isn't a review of the CD lecture. Overall, it was an interesting look at sixteen of the generals who served in the Army of Northern Virginia, including seven out of ten corps commanders, five division commanders, and an artillery officer. Mr. Gallagher gives a good (brief) overview of the officers' careers and an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
There were two main things that limited my rating to only three stars. First (and I'm not sure if this is a function of the Great Courses format), the selection of generals included seems a bit random. For example, Jeb Stuart is included but his two successors as the army's cavalry commander (Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee) are not; it would have been interesting to compare their performances against Stuart's. Only one artillery officer, E.P. Alexander, is included and much of the lecture/chapter covers his duties as an engineer early in the war, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. No other artillery officer is covered, even the army's artillery chief, William Pendleton.
Second, it seems like the lectures were copied word-for-word without trying to perform a copyedit of the text before publication. There were several instances of words or phrases being repeated two or three times in a single sentence; or a sentence might simply repeat in a slightly different way what had just been said in the previous sentence or two.
There were two main things that limited my rating to only three stars. First (and I'm not sure if this is a function of the Great Courses format), the selection of generals included seems a bit random. For example, Jeb Stuart is included but his two successors as the army's cavalry commander (Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee) are not; it would have been interesting to compare their performances against Stuart's. Only one artillery officer, E.P. Alexander, is included and much of the lecture/chapter covers his duties as an engineer early in the war, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. No other artillery officer is covered, even the army's artillery chief, William Pendleton.
Second, it seems like the lectures were copied word-for-word without trying to perform a copyedit of the text before publication. There were several instances of words or phrases being repeated two or three times in a single sentence; or a sentence might simply repeat in a slightly different way what had just been said in the previous sentence or two.
January 29, 2009
This was really good. After Reading the book about Gettysburg I wondered how this scholar would see the war, and they have very similar perspectives.
VEry esy to follow lectures and there is enough crossover in discussing the differnet officers that by the end of the book, one begins to get an idea of the big picture. i would have liked more analysis about the war in general, but for the scope of this book, it was excellent.
i really liked that he just ripped apart the whole "lost cause" canard that has been floating around since 1865. I still see it in right wing websites. He very emphatically states that the War WAS abput slavery, and not states rights. If one reads the writings and speeches of confederate leaders from the war and leading up to it, there is no other reasonable view.
VEry esy to follow lectures and there is enough crossover in discussing the differnet officers that by the end of the book, one begins to get an idea of the big picture. i would have liked more analysis about the war in general, but for the scope of this book, it was excellent.
i really liked that he just ripped apart the whole "lost cause" canard that has been floating around since 1865. I still see it in right wing websites. He very emphatically states that the War WAS abput slavery, and not states rights. If one reads the writings and speeches of confederate leaders from the war and leading up to it, there is no other reasonable view.
October 11, 2011
This series includes intricate military information that is hard to follow if you know next to nothing about 19th century military thought. Even though I am in that crowd, I was able to follow it well enough to enjoy it. The professor does balance the retelling of battles with very interesting biographical information.
I believe he handled the material well. He comes down pretty hard on unnamed historians who have said things without (to his mind) without warrant. He was able to quickly convince me that he was right in these instances.
I believe he handled the material well. He comes down pretty hard on unnamed historians who have said things without (to his mind) without warrant. He was able to quickly convince me that he was right in these instances.
August 29, 2017
Incredible series of lectures. Definitely recommend.
April 12, 2016
Gallagher clearly knows his subject forward and backward. He quickly rattles off officers, dates, battles, who was where at what time on the field. If you know nothing of the war you might feel a bit lost. I've been to a lot of these battlefields talked about and I found him a bit hard to follow at times. You might want to read a good book or two about the listening to this course.
November 26, 2015
Listened to this one a while ago...I really enjoy listening to Prof. Gallagher lecture, particularly on the Civil War.
If you like history and learning more about the War between the States, this one's for you!
If you like history and learning more about the War between the States, this one's for you!
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