Robert E. Lee Essay -- Biography Biographies Bio essays research paper

Robert E. Lee Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Few episodes in history are more painful to Americans than the Civil War, fought between the North and the South. This biography, Great American Generals - Robert E. Lee, by Ian Hogg, takes the reader through the life of one of the greatest heroes of that war, Robert E. Lee. It is a thorough, in depth record of the life of Lee and begins with a detailed account of his family history and his birth, through his college years, military experience and his work in later life to his death on October 12, 1870. The first few pages set the scene by listing a substantial amount of facts about the names and backgrounds of his parents Harry and Ann and Lee's wife, Mary Custis, with some reference to his father's army career and political life. After Lee's early years, the reader will learn of his schooling at the Military Academy, West Point, followed by his life in the Army before and after the Civil War. The biography ends in the latter pages with an account of his work after his military career came to an end, and finally, with his death after a prolonged period of ill-health, thought to be stress induced.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Author Ian Hogg is a prolific writer in the field of defense and military technology. He is a weapons expert, having written many books on all types of rifles, shotguns and small arms, such as Modern Rifles, Shotguns and Pistols, and Modern Small Arms. He is an acknowledged expert on infantry weapons and is thought to be the world's leading expert on this and artillery strategies. He is a well known author of military history, and works as a weapons evaluator in addition to his writing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Robert E. Lee was born in Stratford, Virginia on January 19, 1807. His father, Henry Lee, had achieved fame with Washington's army as "Lighthorse Harry,"and it was a fame that rested not only on his cavalry exploits but upon sound strategic and tactical ability. A significant portion of his fame was credited to him for beating off a surprise British attack at Spread Eagle Tavern in January, 1778. Unfortunately Harry was egotistical and had a high opinion of his own abilities. Although he achieved the rank of lieutenant-colonel, he felt that he deserved more. When the war ended and he had not advanced in rank he resigned from the army to pursue a career in politics. Henry decided to run for the position... ...nd the circumstances into which he was born on January 19, 1807, and ends with his death on October 12, 1870.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hogg relates the intervening years in an extremely interesting fashion, providing many fascinating and detailed pieces of information. The story is presented in a way that keeps the interest of the reader, and is not boring, even when giving statistics of the various campaigns that Lee undertook. The book appeals not just to Lee fans, but to all history students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The pages are filled with numerous detailed maps, and colorful pictures that enhance the view of Lee and his life. Military students will delight in the descriptions of the war, while students of Lee's character are rewarded by fascinating facts of his and his parent's lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hogg presents this painful episode in America's history in a balanced, non-judgemental way. He portrays Lee as a man of great integrity and honor, a true Southern gentleman, and casts no slurs concerning the fact that Lee was on the losing side of a war in which there were no winners.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This is an exciting and informative book and is one of the more enjoyable books which are required reading for this course.