A former combat historian, Alexander has written several military histories. Originally published in hardcover in 1992 (Henry Holt and Company), his account of Stonewall Jackson appears reprinted here in paperback for the first time. Alexander questions the assumption that Robert E. Lee was a brilliant general who achieved all that was possible against superior forces. Through analysis of battles that took place in Virginia and Maryland from 1861-63, he concludes that Jackson possessed the strategic vision necessary to win key battles and campaigns but was blocked in his efforts by Lee, and that it was Lee's destructive strategies that led to the Union's victory. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)