The Wit and Wisdom of Robert E. Lee

by Robert E. Lee and Devereaux Cannon Jr.

Book Overview

"I grieve for posterity, for American principles and American liberty."
-Robert E. Lee

A man of complex dichotomy, Gen. Robert E. Lee, leader of the Confederate States Army, was also a devout Christian, devoted husband, and father of seven. Described as "audacity personified," Lee grieved for those wounded or killed under his command. Indeed, the "Marble Man," was also concerned for the innocent Yankee civilians who were hurt throughout...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565542754
• ISBN13: 9781565542754
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.4" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Insight

A great source for data reflecting the personal life and values of Lee. Interesting to see the differences in the way he addresses those close to him as opposed to a generally non supportive cast of characters above him.

Needs TENstars

This great book, not only has great quotes, but gives you the primary source for each one. Some are from his letters to his daughters, Wife, or his Generals. The primary sources also include the day, month and year. ( Talk about historical accuracy!)Just this short book of quotes, shows Lee as an intelligent person, father, husband, Leader and Gentleman.Every Civil War buff, and every Southerner should have a copy.I keep a copy at my desk for inspiration.

An absolute joy!

What a thrill for students of the Confederacy! "Marse Robert's" own words come to life in his letters and dispatches of the war years! The editors do a masterful job of beginning each chapter/section with a framing sequence, followed by the respective text of key "papers" written by Genl Lee. From simplistic "love-letters" to his wife, to stratagems dispatched to Jackson, Johnston, Ewell, et. al., the reader is given first hand insights to the personality and thought-processes of the CSA's dominant figure.On a structural note, the book is set in somewhat small print. A handful of maps are offered. At 900-plus pages, I'd suggest this book for (obviously!) serious students of the war or Genl Lee. Perhaps one should first digest on of the many biographies of R. E. Lee before attacking this Bible-sized epic.

Excellent compendium from one who knows the subject

Devereaux Cannon, Son of Confederate Veterans, expert historian, and true believer in the "cause" and its great leader Robert E. Lee, has chosen a wonderful selection of quotes that reveal the multi-faceted General Lee. He has captured Lee the leader, Lee the strategist, Lee the man, Lee the parent, Lee the commander and the many other Robert Lee's that we know and recognize as the greatest loved of American military commanders. One quote truly stands out, as General Lee speaks across the generations to us today: "The consolidation of the states into one vast republic, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of that ruin which has overwhelmed all those that have preceded it...I grieve for posterity, for American principles and American liberty."Excellent book.