About the book: It's no surprise that Robert E. Lee graduated second in his class from West Point. His four years there were marked by exemplary conduct and nary a demerit. He went on to become one of the most successful generals of the Confederate army during the American Civil War, inspiring his troops with his unselfish character and devotion to duty. Lee's string of victories earned him praise on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. He was admired for his tactical success in battle, and even after surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomatox court house, his example of conduct for thousands of ex-Confederates made him a legend. After the war, he assumed the presidency of Washington College and devoted the remainder of his life to setting an example of conduct. He remains one of the most distinguished military heroes of all time.
About the Author: New York Times best selling author John Perry was the fifth generation of his family to be born in Greensburg, Kentucky. He grew up in Houston, where he played basketball, ran track, and starred in musical productions. After serving in the army he attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville and University College, Oxford, England. John graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt with a BA in English and a minor in piano, then tried to figure out how to earn a living with them.
He began his career in Houston as an advertising copywriter and radio producer, winning several national awards for creative excellence. His interest in music took him to Nashville, where he co-founded American Network Radio Productions and worked with country music greats including Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Larry Gatlin, Kathy Mattea, and Tanya Tucker.
An advertising project in Nashville introduced John to the world of books. A bookstore chain he had done radio spots for commissioned him to write dust jacket copy for their publishing division. Then, they requested a ghostwritten foreword. One thing led to another, and over the next several years John made the transition to full-time author.
Today John divides his time between books of his own and collaborations with a variety of writers and public figures. His biographies of Sergeant Alvin York and of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver were CBA Award finalists. His biography of Mary Custis (Mrs. Robert E.) Lee, Lady of Arlington, was nominated for the Lincoln Prize for books about the Civil War era.
In the spring of 2010, his co-authored novel Letters to God, written with Patrick Doughtie and based on Patrick's feature film, debuted at #7 on The New York Times Best Seller List.
John is represented by literary agents Wolgemuth & Associates, Orlando.
My Review: For some, a traitor. For others, a hero. For me, an american dedicated above all to his state Virginia. A son, a husband and a father worried with his family. Through seventeen chapters John Perry describes the character of Robert Lee with details, showing his earlier years, the building of his responsible character after he saw his own father leaving the family. That is what triggered the making of a gentleman. He meets Mary, that would be his wife. After graduating second on his class from West Point, he worked in many different projects as an engineer officer and starting moving up in the military's rank. He volunteered in his first battle task at the Mexican War, when he was considered to be the best soldier in the front by General Scott. When time came that North and South were disputing over many questions, including slavery, he was under great conflict, but his loyalty for his state prevailed. We was invited to command the Confederate's Army during american Civil War and was one of the most successful ones.
His example of conduct is the best legacy that we have from him.
Author's style makes the reading very pleasant. If you like a serious biography written based on serious research, this book is for you.
This book was written by John Perry in 2010 and published by Thomas Nelson and they were kind enough to send me a copy for reviewing through their Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program. If you are reading this review, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.
It took me about 8 hours to finish this book.
