An erudite look at the emergence of Robert E. Lee as a military figure, majoring on the Seven Days Battle.
I found this book somewhat dry, an early look at Lee's command style and his relationship with the figures that would rise to prominence with him, Jackson, Longstreet, Steward. It is certainly not on par with Gods and Generals or The Killer Angels.
First, you can't compare this book with "Gods and Generals" or "The Killer Angels," as they were novels and this is non-fiction.
However, this book is a whitewash of Robert E. Lee. For just one example, the first sentence in the description is "With no personal stake in slavery..." This wasn't true. Lee inherited slaves. He was suppose to set them free as stated in the will, but he chose not to do so. When one tried to escape Lee had that slave whipped and the slave's wounds rubbed with brine. This was extremely painful. Gee, what a nice guy Lee was. I've read hundreds of non-fiction books on the Civil war. Lee was overrated.
However, this book is a whitewash of Robert E. Lee. For just one example, the first sentence in the description is "With no personal stake in slavery..." This wasn't true. Lee inherited slaves. He was suppose to set them free as stated in the will, but he chose not to do so. When one tried to escape Lee had that slave whipped and the slave's wounds rubbed with brine. This was extremely painful. Gee, what a nice guy Lee was. I've read hundreds of non-fiction books on the Civil war. Lee was overrated.
