GDG- Martin & Pfanz's books on Day 1 - a quick comparative study

[Jim Lamason]

Allan, 

You and I have a lot in common when it comes to reading styles. I have been
reading studying and researching the CW, and now specifically Gettysburg for
about 7 years now. 

I am to the point that I am pulling together my research and am going to
attempt my first book. The New Jersey Troops at Gettysburg. Even that
research at times can get confusing. 

When you walk the ground it really helps you to understand those who have
written so much about GB and why as some one once said "the ground drives
the battle"... It is true so true. 

Thanks again for your great analysis! Its on the mark. 

Regards, 

Jim Lamason 

-----Original Message-----
From: gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com [mailto:gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com]
On Behalf Of Alan David Brunelle
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 8:19 AM
To: GDG
Subject: Re: GDG- Martin & Pfanz's books on Day 1 - a quick comparative
study

Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:


Jim Lamason wrote:
> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> Hi all , 
>
> Having read both books as well (Second edition of Martin as it has cleaned
> up the typos and bad spelling.) And having gotten to know Dr. Dave
> personally he is almost apologetic for the mistakes in the first edition.
> I prefer Martins for his detail. 
>   
I'm glad I bought the second edition!
> However because of that detail, and unless you have walked the ground a
> number of times, Martins is NOT in my opinion a good book for a "A
> beginner". Pfanz is a better book for the new person to the battle.
I agree - I had said something similar, though it is kind of buried in 
the middle:
> I have to admit, having done a lot of reading in this area prior to
reading Martin must have given me a pretty decent background, and thus that
may be why I was able to follow Martin as well as I could. I bet if someone
picked this up the first time, even Martin's clear prose would be hard to
swallow in one go.
I also think that I'm learning a natural progression to this - it is 
sort of "physics-like" in that you start out big, and work your way 
down. Basically, I've read (in order):

1. Some general pre-civil war books (biographies on the Adams (both), 
Jefferson, Franklin, and Andrew Jackson, as well as on the war of 1812, 
and a great one on the gag rule). I'd like to go back and find a good 
book on the Mexican War - I've started biographies on "Stonewall" and 
Grant's autobiography, and think that there may be some good background 
to get from reading a more detailed account of that war too.

2. Then read books that covered the whole era in one go (Nevin's "Ordeal 
of the Union", as well as McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom" and 
Foote's series)

3. Then general Gettysburg books (Trudeau and Sears - and then Coddington)

4. Then Pfanz's three books

5. Now I'm working my way into more detailed analysis - like Martin 
provides, as well as Gettysburg Magazine and things such as that.

I totally agree that skipping to step 5 would be very hard for a "newbie".
> Good job Allan. May I add my kudos for your great breakdown and resulting
> review. 
>   
Thanks!
> Regards, 
> Jim Lamason 
>
>   
Respectfully yours,
Alan
 
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