Born on January 19, 1807 in Stratford, Virginia to "Light Horse Harry Lee," Robert E. Lee came to military prominence during the U.S. Civil War, commanding his home state's armed forces and becoming general-in-chief of the Confederate forces towards the end of the conflict. Though the Union won the war, Lee has been revered by many while others debate his tactics. He went on to become president of Washington College.

This is one of the most straightforward and entertaining biographies of Lee ever written. The author is very careful to avoid taking sides on the Civil War, concentrating, instead, on Lee's successes and failures.

Bradley Gilman, clergyman, author was born Jan 22, 1857, in Boston, Mass. He had charge of the Congressional society of Springfield, Mass. He authored The Kingdom of Coins, Kibboo Haley, The Drifting Island, and The Musical Journey of Dorothy and Delia. He died in 1932.