No study of the Civil War can be complete without this work. The life and letters of the hero of Gettysburg are here masterfully compiled and edited by Meade's own son (Colonel George Meade) and grandson. This first volume presents a narrative and letters from Meade's childhood, through the Mexican War, and to the end of 1863. Though criticized by some after his victory at Gettysburg for not pursuing Lee's army, Grant considered George Meade to be one of the most suited general officers for large commands. Meade remains one of the most important figures of the American Civil War. Embroiled in the politics of the military and harsh with the press, Meade's letters to his wife are extremely valuable and revealing. And he does not hesitate to mention getting horses shot out from under him and minie-balls whistling through his hat.