GDG- Re: Gettysburg Digest, Vol 36, Issue 37

[Basecat1 at aol.com]

I often wonder when I read about such history-related awards and who  
wins them what thought process went into making the final  decision.
I've seen both books and I am at a loss of how Eric's and  David's 
lively-written, well-documented chronicle of one of the lasting  
controversies surrounding not only the battle but the entire campaign did  
not at least make the final cut. This is especially true since it raised  
some very provocative questions and, indeed, probably led many a reader to  
re-examine long held perspectives and notions on exactly what Stuart did and  
the "whys" behind his actions, let alone the repercussions.
Perhaps in the end it was the subject matter. To many Gettysburg buffs ---   
including some professional historians and writers --- there is a seeming  
fixation Pickett's Charge. To them, Gettysburg is summed up not by a nearly  
month-long campaign, a climatic three-day battle and a long and  
controversial retreat and pursuit, but the activities which took place on  
the afternoon of July 3. To these people, the role of the cavalry --- like  
so many of the tourists and the Cavalry Battlefield --- is an afterthought,  
if, indeed, it is even thought of at all.
I don't know if this  "Pickett Uber Alles" mentality played havoc with the 
BP award selection  committee or mere incompetence is the answer for the 
snubbing of what, IMHO,  is a quiet important book on the campaign and 
battle. (BTW, anyone have a  list of the selection committee?)
With regards,
Chet


Chet,
 
As a member of the RT in NYC, I often wonder how the annual Fletcher Pratt  
Award is picked.  Then again trying to find info. about that is akin to  trying 
to access the files of the CIA. :)  It may be as simple as the  publisher 
sent copies of the book to the committee to be considered for the  award.  
Recently I have become editor of my RT's web site, and majority of  my e-mail has 
been about how to get books considered for the Fletcher Pratt  Award.  It's 
embarrassing when I can't tell publishers what the answer is,  as I have no clue, 
even though I have asked those in power to give me  details.  
 
Regards from the Garden State,
 
Steve Basic



************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.