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Robert E. Lee: A Life from Beginning to End
Discover the remarkable life of Robert E. Lee... Free BONUS Inside! Robert E. Lee was a hero to some and a villain to others. For one side, he embodied the rebellion of the slaveholding South which had seceded from the Union; for the other side, he was a champion of the little guy, willing to marshal the forces of liberty to stand up against the federal government. How in the world do we get such divergent views on one single man? It seems that such diversity of opinion is simply a symptom of the American experience, and at certain points in history, these sentiments become embodied on individual people. In many ways, Robert E. Lee was just an average man of his time that was foisted into a role that he never wanted nor asked for. This book presents an objective analysis of what Robert E. Lee’s life was really like. Avoiding the bramble bushes of historical bias, this book takes us through the long, winding, and treacherous path that was trodden by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Discover a plethora of topics such as Growing up in Virginia Lee in the Mexican-American War The American Civil Choosing Sides Granny Lee and the Seven Days Battle From Gettysburg to the Trenches Last Years and Death And much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on Robert E. Lee, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2019
204 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 23, 2025
One heck of a general
Volumes have been written about Robert E. Lee. This short sketch of him bring forth a great deal of his career. No matter what side you are on in the great debate about the Civil War. In reading this you can see that Lee was a truly great general of both sides.
Volumes have been written about Robert E. Lee. This short sketch of him bring forth a great deal of his career. No matter what side you are on in the great debate about the Civil War. In reading this you can see that Lee was a truly great general of both sides.
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May 1, 2021Down and dirty history of R.E. Lee
December 1, 2019
In order to understand Robert E. Lee's decision to fight for Virginia instead of the Union, readers need to grasp a fundamental difference between the 1860s and today. At that point in our history, people pledged allegiance to their state before they would worry about their country. State's rights were much more important then. It wasn't until after we almost lost our union that people began to be patriotic to the country as a whole. If you do genealogy as I do, then you have seen records of your ancestors fighting in state armies or militias.
Lee went to West Point and did not receive a single demerit (from what I've heard this is an impossible task). I've also heard he is the only man ever to emerge from West Point without a demerit. He graduated second in his class. I had to find out who was first and his name was Charles Mason. He graduated with an overall score of 1995.5 (out of possible 2000) and Lee graduated with 1966.5 points. Interestingly, they still have the two highest points in the history of West Point. Douglas MacArthur is third.
Lee and Ulysses S Grant would meet and be colleagues in the Mexican-American War, some 20 years prior to the Civil War. Because they worked so closely together, I'm sure they learned each other's methods during this critical time that they would use (against each other) in the Civil War.
Skipping over the fascinating recitation of the leading up to and progress of the war, I jump to the letters exchanged between Grant and Lee before the surrender. Thank you to the author for giving these large excerpts of each man's writings. They certainly tell a bit about each man. I did not know that Lee was indicted by a federal judge (people wanted to punish the ringleaders of the Confederacy, of which Lee was one). Only direct action by Grant going to President Andrew Johnson stopped the prosecution.
Lots of folks don't know that Arlington Cemetery's buildings and lands belonged to General Lee's family and was confiscated to become the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery. Eventually, the family would receive restitution, but not during Lee's lifetime. When Grant was elected president, Lee was the highest-profile Southerner invited to the White House.
In the Conclusion, the author makes a good point that Lee's support of the Confederacy's ideology was lukewarm. He was not a strong supporter of slavery.
Lee went to West Point and did not receive a single demerit (from what I've heard this is an impossible task). I've also heard he is the only man ever to emerge from West Point without a demerit. He graduated second in his class. I had to find out who was first and his name was Charles Mason. He graduated with an overall score of 1995.5 (out of possible 2000) and Lee graduated with 1966.5 points. Interestingly, they still have the two highest points in the history of West Point. Douglas MacArthur is third.
Lee and Ulysses S Grant would meet and be colleagues in the Mexican-American War, some 20 years prior to the Civil War. Because they worked so closely together, I'm sure they learned each other's methods during this critical time that they would use (against each other) in the Civil War.
Skipping over the fascinating recitation of the leading up to and progress of the war, I jump to the letters exchanged between Grant and Lee before the surrender. Thank you to the author for giving these large excerpts of each man's writings. They certainly tell a bit about each man. I did not know that Lee was indicted by a federal judge (people wanted to punish the ringleaders of the Confederacy, of which Lee was one). Only direct action by Grant going to President Andrew Johnson stopped the prosecution.
Lots of folks don't know that Arlington Cemetery's buildings and lands belonged to General Lee's family and was confiscated to become the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery. Eventually, the family would receive restitution, but not during Lee's lifetime. When Grant was elected president, Lee was the highest-profile Southerner invited to the White House.
In the Conclusion, the author makes a good point that Lee's support of the Confederacy's ideology was lukewarm. He was not a strong supporter of slavery.
July 25, 2025
Ο Ρόμπερτ Έντουαρντ Λι γεννήθηκε στην κομητεία Γουέστμορλαντ της Βιρτζίνια τον Ιανουάριο του 1807. Μετά την επίσημη εκπαίδευσή του, εξασφάλισε μια θέση στη Στρατιωτική Ακαδημία των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών. Παντρεύτηκε τη Μαίρη Κάστις το 1831 και μαζί απέκτησαν επτά παιδιά. Το 1861 η Βιρτζίνια ενώθηκε με άλλες πολιτείες του νότου και σχημάτισε μια συνομοσπονδία που αντιδρούσε στις απόψεις του νέου προέδρου, Αβραάμ Λίνκολν. Ο Λι ακολούθησε τις αρχές του και κατατάχθηκε στον Στρατό των Συνομόσπονδων Πολιτειών, ενώ πήρε σημαντικό μέρος σε αρκετές μάχες, καθώς η χώρα βρισκόταν σε εμφύλιο πόλεμο. Κατά την διάρκεια μιας εκεχειρίας, την άνοιξη του 1865, συναντήθηκε με τον ομόλογό του στον Στρατό της Ένωσης, Γκραντ. Η συνάντηση πραγματοποιήθηκε στο McLean House, κοντά στο Appomattox της Βιρτζίνια όπου ο Λι υπέγραψε τη συμφωνία παράδοσης. Μετά τον Αμερικανικό Εμφύλιο Πόλεμο, έγινε πρόεδρος του Κολλεγίου Ουάσινγκτον και ενθάρρυνε όλους τους Νότιους να μην επαναλάβουν τις εχθροπραξίες. Πέθανε τον Οκτώβριο του 1870 σε ηλικία εξήντα τριών ετών.
March 4, 2020
To me there's a handful of general in American history that really stand out. Grant, Lee and Patton are three of them. Anyone who knows anything at all about the Civil war should recognize the first two generals.
The book goes into Lee's history, what he felt about national vs. state rights, his use of slaves, his participation in the Mexican war, the John Brown raid and, of course, Lee's becoming the leader of the Confederate forces.
Lee was loved and admired by his soldiers who were, as the war went on, increasingly suffering from inadequate food and clothing but still carried on bravely for what they believed in. the book covers various battles that Lee and his troops were involved in and especially the Battle of Gettysburg which is considered by many to be the turning point of the war.
It covers what eventually happened to Lee and his army and Lee's life after the end of the war. It's all rather well done.
The book goes into Lee's history, what he felt about national vs. state rights, his use of slaves, his participation in the Mexican war, the John Brown raid and, of course, Lee's becoming the leader of the Confederate forces.
Lee was loved and admired by his soldiers who were, as the war went on, increasingly suffering from inadequate food and clothing but still carried on bravely for what they believed in. the book covers various battles that Lee and his troops were involved in and especially the Battle of Gettysburg which is considered by many to be the turning point of the war.
It covers what eventually happened to Lee and his army and Lee's life after the end of the war. It's all rather well done.
August 10, 2022
Good overview
It's a sad narrative but a nearly universal truth in the South, that loyalty to the State superseded their feelings toward the Union. Lee was no different and chose to side with the Confederate states. He was a great commander,meticulously and caring but was out gunned and out manned for most of the war.
It's a sad narrative but a nearly universal truth in the South, that loyalty to the State superseded their feelings toward the Union. Lee was no different and chose to side with the Confederate states. He was a great commander,meticulously and caring but was out gunned and out manned for most of the war.
August 10, 2024
Good basic overview of Lee
At places it as a tad brief - for instance, there was no mention of the accidental shooting of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville, nor of Lee's relations to his other leading generals such as Longstreet and Stuart. Still, as an intro. to Lee the man this short biography provides an accurate if brief synopsis. I'd recommend it for anyone interested in Lee for the first time.
At places it as a tad brief - for instance, there was no mention of the accidental shooting of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville, nor of Lee's relations to his other leading generals such as Longstreet and Stuart. Still, as an intro. to Lee the man this short biography provides an accurate if brief synopsis. I'd recommend it for anyone interested in Lee for the first time.
June 22, 2025
Respect for Lee
While opposed to glorifying stars and bars and the confederacy I read this book to understand a bit about R.E. Lee. Whist understand he was a great general, I now understand, he was not a support of slavery. He was also was a good human being.
Thank you for making this book available.
While opposed to glorifying stars and bars and the confederacy I read this book to understand a bit about R.E. Lee. Whist understand he was a great general, I now understand, he was not a support of slavery. He was also was a good human being.
Thank you for making this book available.
March 11, 2021
A fascinating story about Robert E Lee
Given everything that has happened in the last year. Lee had so many tough decisions to make. His conscience was torn. This book covers them all excellently
Given everything that has happened in the last year. Lee had so many tough decisions to make. His conscience was torn. This book covers them all excellently
February 1, 2024
Good overview.
A good review of the life of a complex character and a man of honour. It would appear that the transition from Civil War to peace and reconciliation was made much eased by the qualities of character of Lee and Grant.
A good review of the life of a complex character and a man of honour. It would appear that the transition from Civil War to peace and reconciliation was made much eased by the qualities of character of Lee and Grant.
March 11, 2024
Concise instructive and engaging
An excellent synopsis of Robert E Lee’s struggle with his mixed allegiances. An insight into the struggle to maintain the old way of life in the South - against the overwhelming odds of the newly industrialised, power house of the Union.
An excellent synopsis of Robert E Lee’s struggle with his mixed allegiances. An insight into the struggle to maintain the old way of life in the South - against the overwhelming odds of the newly industrialised, power house of the Union.
January 17, 2025
Basic, Lee. Good summary with the vital points
I've read more in-depth biographies on Robert E. Lee. Sure, this a fairly simple primer, but, it's good.
It gives you facts and some insight into his perspective in regard to where his loyalty
I've read more in-depth biographies on Robert E. Lee. Sure, this a fairly simple primer, but, it's good.
It gives you facts and some insight into his perspective in regard to where his loyalty
July 20, 2025
Excellent account of a great Christian gentleman [though that would be my biggest complaint - his Christian outlook was major factor in the life of Lee and is hardly mentioned here at all]. Otherwise this is a fine biography.
July 27, 2025
A short and simple overview of the life of Robert E Lee, the civil war general.
As a non-American, I was not brought up on the history of the Civil War, so all of this was new to me, and it was a nice overview without going too deep into any particular battle or scenario.
As a non-American, I was not brought up on the history of the Civil War, so all of this was new to me, and it was a nice overview without going too deep into any particular battle or scenario.
October 9, 2025
Truly a man for all the ages
A brief and concise detailing of the life of one of the greatest man the south ever produced. Interesting reading, but very informative. I find myself wishing that this volume had been four times a contact.
A brief and concise detailing of the life of one of the greatest man the south ever produced. Interesting reading, but very informative. I find myself wishing that this volume had been four times a contact.
December 30, 2019
Review
A short but concise biography of General Robert E. Lee. Offers great information on the life and times of the revered confederate general.
A short but concise biography of General Robert E. Lee. Offers great information on the life and times of the revered confederate general.
January 26, 2020
Excellent synopsis
Great read for a beginner historian. Not too deep but enough to offer insight into Lee's justification for fighting for the Confederacy.
Great read for a beginner historian. Not too deep but enough to offer insight into Lee's justification for fighting for the Confederacy.
September 20, 2021
Good book. Good information.
September 19, 2022
Concise and informative
Well written, fair book that conveys the complexity of the Civil War while being true to the history. Lee inherited slaves but did not like slavery
Well written, fair book that conveys the complexity of the Civil War while being true to the history. Lee inherited slaves but did not like slavery
February 22, 2023
General Lee
I enjoyed reading this book about a distinguished gentleman who served his country and family. Leading the South in an unwinable war was his biggest mistake.
I enjoyed reading this book about a distinguished gentleman who served his country and family. Leading the South in an unwinable war was his biggest mistake.
December 11, 2023
Huge inaccuracy
Lee became president of Washington college in Lexington, VIRGINIA NOT Kentucky, not sure how that error made it through. Disappointing
Lee became president of Washington college in Lexington, VIRGINIA NOT Kentucky, not sure how that error made it through. Disappointing
April 10, 2024
Just a quick overview. Took about 25 minutes to finish. I'd love to read a thorough biography some day.
November 25, 2024
A good, short read…
Enjoyed reading some facts I didn’t know. The Civil War was a horrible thing for the country to have to go through.
Enjoyed reading some facts I didn’t know. The Civil War was a horrible thing for the country to have to go through.
September 15, 2025
Enlightening
Enjoyed this brief look at Robert E. Lee. Highly recommend others to enjoy. What a influential figure in US history.
ERB
Enjoyed this brief look at Robert E. Lee. Highly recommend others to enjoy. What a influential figure in US history.
ERB
June 5, 2024
Fighting as a Profesion
As a soldier in a command position, Lee had no driving reason for engagement especially in opposition. His surrender and later engagement was good.
Leader and soldiers should read it.
First part not captivating enough.
As a soldier in a command position, Lee had no driving reason for engagement especially in opposition. His surrender and later engagement was good.
Leader and soldiers should read it.
First part not captivating enough.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews