The problem with any bio of Buford is a lack of original documents, such as correspondence. This hurts the picture of his early life and career. Longacre, despite his writing style which is staid and uninspired, does his best. It appears that most of the original sources for his Civil War contributions, outside of the Official Records, come from Burford's colleagues.

Longacre does a good job of pointing out errors in Killer Angels by Shaara. However, Longacre loves the book as a wonderfully entertaining introduction to the batttle of Gettysburg.

The usual complaint--not enough maps. For the Battle of Gettysburg, the names of roads used--such as Harrrisburg Pike, York Pike--that are not on the maps are presented in such a way that the reader does not know in what direction troops were headed. Also, map symbols are not explained; they can be figured out only by very close attention to the text.

Excellent description of the 1st day at Gettysburg although it's marred by descriptions of troop movements along roads unmarked on the map provided.

Good accounts of Buford's engaagements and participation in the pursuit of Lee's army after Gettysburg.

Buford died in December, 1863; Longacre believes that he died of typhoid.

Longacre sums up Buford's contribution to cavalry tactics in two words: speed and flexibility. These might seem self-evident, but Buford developed them in ways that were unique for that time. ( )