Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Muncle
But to me, the real hero -- no, not hero, certainly not villain, and not really a "tragic hero" is the traditional sense, I guess hero does best fit --- was James Longstreet. I found in him all the honorable traits one romantically imagines in such a character, only to be done in by his own sense of honor, loyalty, and obedience.
|
As the result of having read "Angels" I followed up by reading quite a bit more about Longstreet. He really took the rap for failing Lee in Gettysburg. Your friends are quite right - Lee was a paternal figure who was revered. He was untouchable. And even though he made some mistakes there, Longstreet was the fall guy. Quite the warrior though, and had it been it to him, the battle could have turned out differently.
And I agree, it is one of the most fascinating books I've ever read (and read, and read) Really brought those folks to life and although as I read it I knew Shaara had no way of knowing exactly what they said, he really made it all fit well with history and made it very credible at the same time. I remember standing at the left flank of the Union line right where the 20th Maine was stationed and imagine Longstreet's Alabama unit coming up the hill. Quite moving, and something I would not have really appreciated unless I read the book.