Last Chance for Victory

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Last Chance for Victory - wasted or not? - Rated
The book is extremely easy to read and before I knew it I was on the fifth chapter and unable to put it down. The authors have taken considerable time to establish the strategic situation prior to the invasion and established a sound arguement for Lee's invasion. The detail covering the 3 days is thorough and far more readable than other great tomes on the subject. Of particular interest was the final section 'Reflections' that looked back over the events before, during and after the battle and established why in the author's view Lee failed to win and who and what let him down.

This book falls solidly into the pro-Lee camp and for those who feel that he was a military genius who was failed by others the book will add weight to their cause. What is contained within the pages is an excellent analysis of the history, but like Nolan's work it reads very much like a case being made by a lawyer; this time for the defence. If one reads 'Lee Considered' and 'Lee's Last Chance for Victory', then the truth will probably be found somewhere in the middle.

Overall a well written and excellent account of the entire Gettysburg Campaign and a work that has added to the body of knowledge and will no doubt fuel the debate.