Robert E. Lee

Description

Beloved by his soldiers and respected by his enemies, Robert E. Lee is undoubtedly the most popular general in American history to fight on the losing side. This book takes an in-depth look at this southern gentleman as a strategist and a tactician, covering all of his most important victories and defeats. Although courted by Lincoln, Robert E. Lee could not fight against his native Virginia and joined the Confederacy. After assuming command of the Army of Northern Virginia, Lee ran off a string of shocking victories that left the North reeling. However, on two separate occasions, Lee led invasions into the North and both ended in defeat, first at Antietam and then at Gettysburg. Encompassing the huge body of research surrounding General Lee and presenting it with numerous photographs and newly commissioned artwork, this book provides a complete understanding of Lee as a battlefield commander.

John Bly worked for four years at Sotheby's before joining the family firm in Tring, one of the oldest established antique dealers in Britain. John Bly appears regularly as an expert on BBC Television's Antiques Roadshow and has had his own ITV series, Heirloom. He lectures extensively in Britain and North America and has contributed to Antique Dealer and Collector's Guide, Antique Monthly and other specialist magazines. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. Eric Knowles began work at Bonhams, the London auctioneers, in 1976 and became head of the ceramics department in 1981. He became a director of Bonhams in 1985. Eric became a well known TV personality in the 1990s, as an expert on the Antiques Roadshow, and presenter or several programmes including Going for a Song. He retains his high profile on TV and is also a regular contributor to BBC Homes and Antiques, and Collect It! magazines, and he is antiques expert for the Sunday Times. He is the author of several books on antiques and the decorative arts.

"The book is well balanced, giving due attention to Lee's life before and after the American Civil War, but it is his position as Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia that deservedly receives the main focus. In his analysis of Lee's military operations, the author provides objectivity in interpretation and conclusions and insightful perception into Lee's sterling character and inner mind. The accompanying illustrations, maps and photographs are artfully presented and greatly enhance the reader's enjoyment and understanding of the life and military campaigns of this great commander... The author, illustrator and Osprey Publishing are to be congratulated." --Ron Stowers, Jackson Civil War Roundtable "Offers letters, newspapers, and diaries to build a fine narrative of Lee's achievements. From his legendary career to his tragedies, Robert E. Lee is a fine introduction for any military or general-interest holding." --The Midwest Book Review (December 2010) "A superb book about one of history's finest." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness