The Worlds Greatest Generals: The Life and Career of Robert E. Lee

*Includes over 25 pictures of Lee and the important people, places, and events in his life. *Includes maps of the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, and Second Manassas. *Includes a Table of ContentsWith the exception of George Washington, perhaps the most famous general in American history is Robert E. Lee (January 19, 1807 October 12, 1870), despite the fact he led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia against the Union in the Civil War. As the son of U.S. Revolutionary War hero Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, and a relative of Martha Custis Washington, Lee was imbued with a strong sense of honor and duty from the beginning. And as a top graduate of West Point, Lee had distinguished himself so well before the Civil War that President Lincoln asked him to command the entire Union Army. Lee famously declined, serving his home state of Virginia instead after it seceded.Lee is remembered today for constantly defeating the Unions Army of the Potomac in the Eastern theater from 1862-1865, considerably frustrating Lincoln and his generals. His leadership of his army led to him being deified after the war by some of his former subordinates, especially Virginians, and he came to personify the Lost Causes ideal Southern soldier. His reputation was secured in the decades after the war as a general who brilliantly led his men to amazing victories against all odds. Despite his successes and his legacy, Lee wasnt perfect. And of all the battles Lee fought in, he was most criticized for Gettysburg, particularly his order of Picketts Charge on the third and final day of the war. Despite the fact his principle subordinate and corps leader, General James Longstreet, advised against the charge, Lee went ahead with it, ending the armys defeat at Gettysburg with a violent climax that left half of the men who charged killed or wounded.Although the Civil War came to define Lees legacy, he was involved in some of American historys other turning points, including the Mexican-American War and the capture of John Brown. The Worlds Greatest Generals: The Life and Career of Robert E. Lee closely examines Lees war records, but it also humanizes the cheerful husband who was raised and strove to be dignified and dutiful. Along with pictures of Lee and other important people and events in his life, you will learn about the great general like you never have before, in no time at all.