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Book Review of The Making of Robert E. Lee

The Making of Robert E. Lee
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2569 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is another good look at the 'new' Robert E. Lee, shorn of the mantle of the "Marble Man" developed by the Lost Cause Mythology. The author uses detailed references to portray Lee as he was, a human being, with all the good and not-so-good traits we all have. If we are to truly understand our history, we must look at it honestly, without the sugar-coating.

The most negative side of the story is how Lee often contributed to his own mythology, by 'rewriting' his decisions to adhere to what would make him look better. In that, he was no better than most of the Civil War's leaders who embellished their careers in published works.