General Robert E. Lee was a complicated man and military figure. From his birth as the son of a celebrated and tragic Revolutionary War hero; to his career after the Civil War when he led by example to heal the terrible wounds of the conflict; there is much to learn from this celebrated general. In just three years of service; he directed the Confederacy's most renowned fighting force; the famed Army of Northern Virginia; through a series of battles; including Second Manassas; Antietam; and Gettysburg; which have since come to define combat in the Civil War. Here; for the first time; Noah Andre Trudeau follows the general's Civil War path with a special emphasis on Lee's changing set of personal values as the conflict wended through four bloody years and explores his famous skills as a crafty and daring tactician. An insightful new account; Robert E. Lee delivers a fresh perspective that leads to a greater understanding of one of the most studied and yet enigmatic military figures in American history.
#1611370 in Books Palgrave Macmillan 2013-07-12 2013-07-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.65 x .79 x 5.59l; 1.00 #File Name: 0230276466368 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A wide-ranging survey of the essential role of queens and queenship in medieval European dynastiesBy D. Cloyce SmithThis handy survey provides an up-to-date look at the current (if still fledgling) scholarship on the pivotal role of medieval queens; both within the workings of the court and; more broadly; on state; society; and culture. To my knowledge; it's the first book of its kind; and it provides a valuable corrective to traditional political histories that chronicle governance; law; and dynastic succession almost entirely through the history of each nation's kings. Unsurprisingly; as the author acknowledges; "it may read at times like an old-style political history with queens instead of kings." Although "dynasty; marriage and motherhood were constants that shaped a queen's life" and although the primary duty of most queens was to produce an heir to the throne; a good number managed to serve as advisors to their husbands (or sons) or would directly hold the reins of power; either in the king's absence or in their own right.Earenfight divides her survey into three periods; corresponding roughly to the early; high; and late Middle Ages; and each chapter traverses geographically from England and France through Iberia and into Eastern Europe. Employing a surprising amount of droll wit; the book contains tons of fascinating "stories" and anecdotes about various dynasties; about the successes and failures of individual queens; and about the internal struggles that would alternately strengthen and weaken both queen-consorts and queen-regents. The book's encyclopedic qualities might occasionally make the "narrative" overwhelming to the casual lay reader; but its comprehensiveness will prove useful--indeed; essential--to both students and teachers. Each chapter also includes a summary of what scholarship remains untouched (and; needless to say; there's a lot yet to be done).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Putting female monarchs and consorts back into history:By Elizabeth M McMahonIn this book; Dr. Earenfight makes her case for the study of queenship as a separate entity from kingship; with functions and responsibilties distinct from those of a male ruler's. Her other books present case studies; but this one offers her arguments in more depth; building on earlier publications. This attempt to write (and research) queens and empresses back into the European political arena is well researched and presented. Its argument extends our understanding of political systems during the middle ages; and the effects of gender relations upon these.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting study but; because the author chose to compare ...By SusanInteresting study but; because the author chose to compare a wide breadth of regions; many receive rather superficial analysis.
