Robert E. Lee Virginian Soldier, American Citizen

by Robertson, James I.

• ISBN13: 9780689857317
• ISBN10: 0689857314
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-11-01
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Summary

To some, Robert E. Lee is a beloved general, held in the highest regard. To others, he is one of history's most paradoxical heroes. He fought passionately to defend his homeland and was one of the nation's greatest soldiers, yet his name is often inextricably linked with slavery and secession.In 1861 Lee was Lincoln's first choice to lead the Union troops in the Civil War. But a strong loyalty to Virginia held Lee back. Instead he chose to become the commanding officer of the Confederacy. Lee had great success in battle by spitting his forces and unleashing suprise attacks. His victory at Chancellorville, where his troops soundly defeated an enemy twice their size, remains the most astonishing.However, only when he surrendered in 1865 did the nation understand the kind of man Robert E. Lee truly was. He was kind and loving, giving all of himself to a reconciliation between the North and the South. In this meticulously researched biography, James I. Robertson explores the life of one of the most revered -- and misunderstood -- Civil War Generals.

Author Biography

James I. Robertson Jr. is an Alumni Distinguished Professor of History at Virginia Tech. He published the definitive adult biography of Stonewall Jackson, Stonewall Jackson: the Man, the Soldier, the Legend, and also wrote Standing Like a Stone Wall for young adults. He lives in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
The Making of a Soldier	p. 5
Nation Versus Country	p. 23
Rocky Path to Army Command	p. 39
Brilliance in the Field	p. 55
The Bloodiest Day	p. 67
Loss of an Arm	p. 84
Gettysburg	p. 99
Forced on the Defensive	p. 110
From Siege to Defeat	p. 123
National Symbol	p. 134
Notes	p. 146
Works Cited	p. 151
Photo Credits	p. 154
Index	p. 155
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