Personal Recollections of Distinguished Generals

"Personal Recollections of Distinguished Generals" by William Franklin Gore Shanks is a 19th-century historical work that seeks to offer a more complete picture of Civil War generals by going beyond the battlefield. The author's goal is to showcase the personalities and traits of prominent military figures, emphasizing their human attributes rather than just their military skills. The book starts with an introduction explaining the author's desire to present a well-rounded portrayal of these leaders. The author aims for a narrative filled with stories and observations, encouraging readers to understand the complex natures of these important historical people, such as William Tecumseh Sherman, who is shown as both a genius and an odd personality, combining bravery with weakness.