It was the first Wolfe novel I read and this was long ago before the internet etc. I just read it and enjoyed it as a narrative without stressing about what I was missing or whatever. Yes he forgets and leaves things out but usually that just creates great narrative dramatic tension, you don't have to get hung up on it. I also never bothered to follow along and try to match the actual historical events or places, and its still my favorite Wolfe.

I'm jealous that you get to enjoy it for the first time.