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Confederate general Richard Ewell has never received the attention he deserves, according to his biographer Donald C. Pfanz. Ewell's many impressive military achievements have gone largely unnoticed, and his few failures--among them arguably blowing an opportunity to turn Gettysburg into a Southern victory--have often served as reasons to blame Confederate losses on anybody but its more revered generals, such as Robert E. Lee. Ewell's greatest accomplishment, suggests Pfanz, was leading third-rate troops in defense of Petersburg when Federal soldiers broke through at Fort Harrison. "Had [Stonewall] Jackson been in charge rather than Ewell, historians would have touted the battle as a military masterpiece. But ... the episode was forgotten. Historians have all but ignored it since." Despite such assessments, Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life is no hagiography; Pfanz cites shortcomings in both Ewell's personality (bad temper) and judgment (at Spotsylvania, for instance). Still, this book is mainly a robust defense of a second-tier general who deserves better than what he's received from other historians.

Book Description

General Richard Stoddert Ewell holds a unique place in the history of the Army of Northern Virginia. For four months Ewell was Stonewall Jackson's most trusted subordinate; when Jackson died, Ewell took command of the Second Corps, leading it at Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House.

In this biography, Donald Pfanz presents the most detailed portrait yet of the man sometimes referred to as Stonewall Jackson's right arm. Drawing on a rich array of previously untapped original source materials, Pfanz concludes that Ewell was a highly competent general, whose successes on the battlefield far outweighed his failures.

Customer Reviews:

A Complete Look At Ewell: Modest but Dutiful Soldier .......2006-07-07

This is a refreshing and informative look at Richard Ewell, before, after and of course during the Civil War. Often described as a failure after succeeding Jackson and becoming leader of the Lee's new 2nd Corp, Ewell has suffered severe criticism for the first day of Gettysburg and for his emotional response to the breach at Spotsylvania. Pfanz provides a fair and colorful look at the dependable soldier that fought the second half of the war with a wooden leg and overall served much better than superficial history would lead you to believe. Pfanz profiles Ewell's early life efficiently noting that Ewell's family as a whole were eccentric and Ewell himself a very thin and balding man who spoke with a lisp. Although lacking in military forbearance, Ewell completes West Point and serves gallantly as a dragoon officer in the west occasionally fighting Indians with high praise. Pfanz provides a full perspective of Ewell as a brave soldier who initially though Jackson crazy and in a rather amusing historical telling, Pfanz describes how at one point several generals in Jackson's command think each other unbalanced. As Pfanz describes, Ewell fights extremely well for Jackson particularly at Cross Keys and at Winchester. Although literally pegged as an officer that follows explicit orders, Pfanz clarifies that Ewell fought extraordinary well particularly in the initial stages of the Gettysburg campaign in capturing Winchester and marching virtually to Harrisonburg. He also fought brilliantly at the Wilderness and for the most part at Spotsylvania. As Pfanz notes, Ewell saved Richmond during Butler's great onslaught attack in the fall of 1864, which is a little appreciated fact. After Butler captured Fort Harrison his attack is stymied by Ewell who masks his small force by using the woods to limit the view of his small defiant band. Richard Sommer's writes of this wonderfully in his book "Richmond Reeemed". Pfanz notes Ewell's one quality that may have not worked in his favor; he frequently asked the opinions of others in contrast to Jubal Early who frequently gave opinions. At Gettysburg, Lee's directives were not precise to Ewell who contended with his July 1 victory with rounding up 5,000 union prisoners, waiting for Johnson's division along with a report of union troops appearing on his left flank. On top of that, Early would not support an attack on Cemetery or Culp's Hill. Nor would Early support shifting Ewell's corps to the right to pull the lines together as Lee wished. Pfanz notes that communication failures appear to be the biggest command problem at Gettysburg along with a lack of forceful leadership from Lee along with the union's will to fight. Ewell also suffers a slight from Gordon, whose self serving personal history make him a questionable source, stung Ewell in Lee's eyes as Gordon relates how Ewell virtually squandered a surprise attack on the union right. Acting judiciously, Ewell orders the attack but may have looked inept to Lee after his brilliant attack and defense in the Wilderness. The almost humorous episode of Ewell trying to stop retreating soldiers at Spotsylvania, cussing at them and slapping them on the back with his sword appears too much for Lee and Ewell's ill advised attack that was suppose to be more reconnaissance in nature virtually keys Lee's decision to replace Ewell with Early when Ewell is momentarily ill. Unfortunately, Ewell's romance with his old flame and new bride caused a huge negative reaction with his staff particularly when she intervened with staff activities and her husband's time raising doubts about his focus. Pfanz provides fascinating detail on the correspondence between Ewell and Lee where Ewell sadly tries to return to command while Lee gently tries to tell him he is not needed at the front. Ewell finishes his confederate career in charge of the Richmond defenses finishing the war on the road to Appomattox at Saylers Creek when he is cut off and alone with Anderson's division. Pretty amazing story after the war that the man missing a leg, with several horses shot out from under him, and two horses roll over him, survives to live a life as a vigorous business man. Ewell was a modest man who, unlike Longstreet, died before Jubal Early rewrote his version of confederate history.

Are you sure Robert K. Krick read this?.......2005-10-31

I disagree with a line written by Mr. Pfanz in his biography of Ewell.
On page 326 of the book he discusses the failure of General Robert Rodes to attack Cemetery Hill the evening of July 2.This has been discussed in every book I have read on Gettysburg. However, Mr Pfanz has decided to put his own spin on an old subject. He states "he(Rodes) tried to deflect his failure onto his subordinate Stephen D. Ramseur." This is the first accusation of disloyalty and pettiness that I have ever read of General Rodes.
I would ask the reader to check Rode's Official Report on the battle and try to discern how Mr. Pfanz could have come to the conclusion that the General was guilty of something so dishonorable.
Too bad Rodes is not here to defend himself. It is easy to malign the dead.

Pleasant reading but nothing really new on Ewell- a kind,brave and generous man who was very good at being a general until he was so severely wounded at Groveton.

Ewell gets his turn in the spotlight..........2002-04-13

Pfanz offers a most credible account of the life and times of one of the "lesser" lights of the Confederate pantheon. While indeed "Baldy Dick" lacks the nobility of Genl Lee or the exciting eccentricity of Thom Jackson, this offering serves the good general well. I found the author pretty balanced in his recitation of Ewell's trials and tribulation, be it in the realm of military action or his personal life. While this text is 500+ pages of small print, those with a particular interest in Confederate military lore will appreciate author Pfanz's efforts to bring Richard Stoddert Ewell to life...

An Excellent Read!.......2001-11-09

Gen. Richard Ewell. A figure from history that has been all but ignored until now. While many blame Ewell for the loss at Gettysburg, One finds a different side of the story. The reading flows smoothly. I have really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Gen.Richard Ewell. The author expolores his background as a Dragoon, fighting Indians and his faithful service to the Confederacy. Also mentioned is his conversion to Christainity as a result of his rubbing elbows with Stonewall Jackson. I suggest you add this book to your library!

This is a fine biography of confederate Gen. Richard S.Ewell.......1998-07-18

There are three impressive aspects of this work. First, it is quite readable. The battle scenes and other events are as lively as a full color film. The historic characters are full dimensional figures who inhabit the book rather than being referred to. Even minor Ewell family members are brought to life realistically.

Second, the terrain is imaginatively and graphically depicted. The author has a real sense of the places and the climate of the times. This is also supported by good made-to-order maps of important locales.

Third, practically every assertion in the book is backed up by solid primary and secondary historical sources. This is done with no intrusion on the readability of the text. No judgment is made without balancing all extant points of view. A real work of moderm scholarship.

Finally, I was surprised at how much I learned about historical personages and battles with which I though I was familiar.

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Richard S. Ewell A Soldier's Life
Pfanz Donald C.
Manufacturer: University of North Carolina
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDTM74

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RICHARD S. EWELL: A SOLDIER'S LIFE. Civil War America Series
Donald C. Pfanz
Manufacturer: UNC Press,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q01YJK

Book Description

This book is part history, part political analysis and part memoir. It is an intensely personal book about what has changed in California over the last quarter century.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read About Illegal Immigrants.......2007-08-15

Victor Davis Hanson presents a compelling story of what is happening in California as huge numbers of illegal immigrants flood the state bringing changes that are truly disturbing.

tired..........2007-07-01

the first 50 pages were OK but downhill from there.
these are the tired rantings of a liberal who now realizes the failings of that mindset... but now it's too late. the author seems to think that picking grapes is some sort of noble undertaking and that manual labor is superior to his real job--- college professor.
now that the predictable chickens have come home to roost (mexican invasion, more welfare for illegal immigrants and overloaded hospitals full of thirld-worlders, he is SHOCKED!!SHOCKED!! that there is gambling going on at Ricks in Casablanca...
mediocre bathroom reading at best.

A personal and factual analysis.......2007-06-09

Hanson's well-written book demonstrates that complex and controversial topics can be discussed with passion, compassion, and respect. He writes about how legal and illegal immigrants have changed and are changing California into Mexifornia, a blend of two nations and peoples. I ordered extra copies to circulate among friends.

Mixed Mexages in CA Immigration Critique.......2007-04-17

Author Hanson takes a revealing look at the changing face of California and flawlessly paints a clear but rather glum picture for its future prospects. In doing so, he makes no odious judgments on the incredible numbers of immigrants and illegal immigrants going into the state; but make no mistake about it, he's not happy with the upcoming possibilities.

He thoughtfully examines both sides of the issue in this brief but concise work. The immigrants have reason to want to leave Mexico; and the USA has major (economic) reasons for wanting them here. Hanson goes back and forth on the split throughout the book. He employs clarifying personal anecdotes on the subject, and sets himself as both for and against immigration into the state and into the USA.

I guess because he's part of the faculty at CSU, he has a habit of clouding the issue with occasional heavy history, professorial-like long-winded sentences, high-rent words, foreign expressions, and many, many references to people most have never heard of. The author writes, "...even though all the protocols of American public schools, from secularism and free speech to tolerance and rationalism, had no pedigree in Tenochtitlán!" What's he talking about!? Too many times in this material, Hanson says in 25 words what other authors might say in 12. -Which makes for some rough reading now and again.

"We had all seen the demons within our very serves on the Darwinian playground and knew that their exorcism was the work of all good citizens." Really?! Getting past some of the vague and cumbersome references was sometimes a chore. How much did I miss by drawing blanks whenever the author went into his Department of Classics lecture-hall mode?

Page for page, it's never exactly clear where the author stands on immigration. That's because he's taken a masterful objective look at the subject. Even so, he's convinced something needs to be done (fast) to reverse accruing problems due to the unsound growing people condition in California. Many times he critically describes this side of the issue, then in a surprising hairpin turnaround (often in the same paragraph!), he explains "the other" point of view. About the great migration from the South, Hanson's hopeful. Even with all the needed re-do and re-tuning by government, education, the media, employers, social engineers, and the rest, he seems to be saying, as of now: "It's all good." ... or, I guess: "es todo bueno."

Plenty of fresh slants on the subject. Good up-close look. From both sides of the fence.

So, you want to learn something about immigration?.......2007-02-20

I think this is a fantastic book. A must read for anyone interested in learning more about legal or illegal immigration from Mexico and other points south of our border.

What impressed me was the background of the author, several generations of working the land in central California and a faculty member of a major university.

He has some interesting points to make in, generally, an easy to read style. He does get "deep" in a few spots but very few and nothing to ruin an enjoyable and educational read. I am also a university faculty member and live in south-central Texas and maybe that influenced my read a bit. However, I believe anyone could benefit from reading the book, whichever side of the topic you may be on.

One of his very interesting points is how immigration of Mexicans in the past, say the 1950s, is different than today..and why it is so. Another interesting point is how the Atlantic ocean has played a major role in how immigration has worked in the past.

I've promised to lend the book to several people...but I want it back. In fact, once I finished it, I immediately turned to the opening and started to re-read it. Not something I've done too often with books.

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A Professor of security studies
Pity Me
"Mexifornia", The Truth Finally Told
Please take the time to read this; it ought to scare the pants off you!
Mexifornia

Mexifornia: A State of Becoming
Victor Davis Hanson
Manufacturer: Encounter Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Emigration & Immigration | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1893554732

Book Description

This book is part history, part political analysis and part memoir. It is an intensely personal book about what has changed in California over the last quarter century.

Customer Reviews:

A Professor of security studies.......2007-07-05

Finally a balanced, sensitive, yet very pragmatic book on the whole immigration and culture debate. Hanson lays out the strong case that refutes the pro-immigration lobby and all the ethnic pride industry that has been built up around the cult of multiculturalism in the United States. The real question that comes out of the book is what has the Government of Mexico really done to take care of its citizens in the past 100 years? Not much, and it has effectively outsourced its problems to its neighbor to the north.

Pity Me.......2007-06-29

I read Mexifornia soon after it was initially released. My feelings for the author and the book varied from pity to anger. "Good Mexicans" are those who attend his classes in the Classics. "Bad Mexicans" are usually "Indians from the small towns" and others who cling to their heritage and bring it with them. Hanson's historical amnesia excludes the fact that California was stolen from Mexico in a war of aggression so blatant that US Grant quit the army in disgust. Dr. Hanson happily earns a living on this stolen land and resents "bad" Mexicans from invading his private Anglodom. No mention of California Indians who no longer apparently exist. History is only for nice Anglophones in his home town, although "some best friends" are Mexican. No solutions here, just resentment for Mexican existence. Forget the book.

"Mexifornia", The Truth Finally Told.......2007-01-11

"Mexifornia" is a must read for those concerned with preserving our forefathers culture in the United States. Davis sees it as it really is and pulls no punches in laying the blame squarely on those who are at fault in this dilemma.

Please take the time to read this; it ought to scare the pants off you!.......2006-09-15

We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, filled to capacity by many of America's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, "Mexifornia," explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.

Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He said, "If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy! America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.'"

"Here is how they do it," Lamm said: "First, to destroy America, turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country." History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lipset, put it this way: "The histories of bilingual and bi-cultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and
tragedy." Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, and Corsicans."

Lamm went on: Second, to destroy America, "Invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. I would make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal. That there are no cultural differences. I would make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and
discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds.

Third, "We could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: "The apparent success of our own multiethnic and multicultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricity and what it meant to be an American, we! are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together." Lamm said, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have
various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."

"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school."

"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology.' I would get all minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all
minority failure on the majority population."

"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greece took part in the Olympic games. A common enemy, Persia, threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. "E. Pluribus Unum" -- From many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus' instead of the 'Unum,' we will balkanize America as surely as Kosovo."

"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits; make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-culturism, having the large foundations fund the! doctrine of 'Victimology,' I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."

In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. Profound silence followed. Finally he said,. "Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book "Mexifornia." His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America. deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."

There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today.

Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity.' American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in America - take note of California and other states - to date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book "1984." In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength."

Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy is deeply in trouble and worsening fast. If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.

Mexifornia.......2006-08-03

Great service, delivered per agreement. Book tends to be a bit heavy and not sure of what the direction. I feel that the whole book could be condensed into a single chapter. Has a lot of 'fill' which adds nothing to the content. It does have some good facts that would be a lot more meaningful if organized and put into the single chapter.

Mexifornia - A State of Becoming - Updated & Revised By Author

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Mexifornia - A State of Becoming - Updated & Revised By Author
Victor Davis Hanson
Manufacturer: Encounter Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739488597

Product Description

'A classic work on immigration revised to address America's ongoing crisis'(from the front cover)

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Mexifornia: A State of Becoming
Victor Davis Hanson
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

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Mexifornia: A State of Becoming, Revised Edition

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Mexifornia: A State of Becoming, Revised Edition
Victor Davis Hanson
Manufacturer: Encounter Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

State & Local Government | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Emigration & Immigration | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1594032173

Book Description

In this revised and updated edition, Mexifornia examines the predicament of those vigorous, ambitious Mexicans that make California strong but who are hurt by inadequate policies that damage them and this country. Ultimately, Hanson hopes that our traditions of assimilation, integration and intermarriage can yet remedy the immigration crisis that continues to grow and shape America's future.

Immigration and the common culture.(Mexifornia: A State Of Becoming)(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life

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Immigration and the common culture.(Mexifornia: A State Of Becoming)(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life
Peter C. Meilander
Manufacturer: Institute on Religion and Public Life
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, published by Institute on Religion and Public Life on January 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1911 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Immigration and the common culture.(Mexifornia: A State Of Becoming)(Book Review)
Author: Peter C. Meilander
Publication: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2004
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Issue: 139 Page: 61(4)

Article Type: Book Review

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Mexifornia: A State of Becoming (Unabridged)

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Mexifornia: A State of Becoming (Unabridged)
Victor Davis Hanson
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000165GM0

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Mexifornia A State of Becoming
Hanson Victor Davis
Manufacturer: Encounter Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UF9MIG

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Mexifornia: a State of Becoming
Victor Davis Hanson
Manufacturer: Encounter Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N66HM6

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