The Wartime Papers Of Robert E. Lee (A Da Capo paperback) [Paperback]

Clifford Dowdey (Author), Louis H. Manarin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 1987 | Series: A Da Capo paperback

This monumental contribution to the literature of the Civil War brings together Lee’s official correspondence—letters, orders, dispatches, battle reports—with his touching letters to his family, thus providing a previously unavailable view of Lee’s life during the war. From the more than 6,000 items, the editors have chosen to reprint many letters in full for the first time, so that Lee is seen complete, self-revealed, in all his dignity and purpose. Short narratives connect each section—on the mobilization of Virginia, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and the siege of Petersburg and Appomattox. Sponsored by the Virginia Civil War Commission to commemorate the Civil War Centennial, this expert work of scholarship dramatizes Lee’s life as only his own correspondence could. As Lee himself said: ”Letters are good representatives of our minds. They certainly present a good criterion for judging of the character of the individual.”

Product Details

• Paperback: 1012 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (March 21, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306802821
• ISBN-13: 978-0306802829
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,531,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute joy!, March 21, 2003

By 

Charles C. DiVincenti Jr. "Carlo" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wartime Papers Of Robert E. Lee (A Da Capo paperback) (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Insight, February 11, 2007

By 

Bradley Sharp "Buck" (Californis USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Wartime Papers Of Robert E. Lee (A Da Capo paperback) (Paperback)

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.