Another in Osprey's 'Command' series is this book on the most recognizable Confederate General of the US Civil War, Robert E. Lee. Typical of the heros and luminaries of history, there is much more to the person than what most of us have read. Lee is like this. A great leader and quite often referred to as the greatest commander of US history, a heady honor to say the least.

As is typical of many men, his background very much belies the sort of man which he became. A man who was loyal to his friends and to his principles, Lee had a fault that cost him several battles; an inability to directly confront commanders who would not follow his instructions and press them to obey orders. This was clearly demonstrated during the Gettysburg battle. He also lost many close friends to battle, something that weighed on him. However, he was superlative strategist and was able to rally his troops to do their best in a situation that was frequently not going as well as hoped.

In this book on Lee, author Ron Field covers his early upbringing, his later days with the US Army and the campaigns in which he distinguished himself. An engineer by training, Lee was also personally brave and did well as a commander of troops. So much so that he was highly decorated and quickly rose through the ranks.

As much as succession of his home state Virginia saddened him, he felt a great deal of loyalty to his state and chose the Confederacy when the time came. After the war, Lee had lost his home (now Arlington National Cemetery) so lived as a college president until his death in 1870. This book is profusely illustrated with period photos and other images as well as battle plans of some of his many battles.

It is a superb book about one of history's finest. A book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and one that I can easily recommend to you.

December 2010

Available in bookstores and hobbystores, everywhere, through Osprey Direct (866 620 6941; info@ospreydirectUSA.com) or at http://www.ospreypublishing.com/.

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