“This absorbing history of the Second Corps follows not only the unit's rise to prominence, but the heart of what motivated these men, why they fought so hard, and how they sustained a spirited defense of cause and country long after the guns had fallen silent.”

“Kreiser breathes new life into this most important of Union Army units. . . . A remarkably well-written and superbly researched account.”
 — David E. Long, author of The Jewel of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln’s Re-election and the End of Slavery

“A handful of black-and-white photographs as well as extensive appendices and notes round out this excellent contribution to Civil War history shelves. May 2011”
 — Midwest Book Review

“The author has an easy to read informative style that made the pages fly. His word portraits make lesser-known names into real people. . . . This is a well-written book with all the items that are expected in a serious history.7/6/2011”
 — TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

“Lawrence Kreiser tells the Second Corps' story with verve and attention to personal as well as bureaucratic details. June 28, 2011”
 — Civil War Librarian

“Overall, this is a most worthy effort and should be included in the library of every fan of unit histories. ”
 — www.civilwarnews.com

“Attractively organized and well written, Defeating Lee deserves its place as a staple in any library on the Army of the Potomac, large or small.”
 — H-Net Reviews in Humanities & the Social Sciences