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“Compelling….a modern and readable perspective on Lee’s enigmatic character.”
— USA Today
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“Very apt…well written, fair-minded.”
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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“Jonathan Horn’s fascinating book looks at Lee through the prism of yet another famous man, George Washington. His subtle and sympathetic examination of the Washington-Lee connection helps us understand the Lee question…Fascinating, thought provoking, and deeply sad.”
— National Review
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“The complexity and multifaceted nuances of most political decisions are masterfully revealed…An excellent addition to the library of Civil War books. Horn presents not only the historical record but also thepathos, irony, and tension involved in Lee’s decision and how it reflected issues in his personal life. The author’s work reads very much like a novel and is suitable for both serious historians and lovers of engaging stories.”
— Missourian
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"[Horn] provides an outstanding book that will be enjoyed by all readers interested in Lee…Horn’s book is a thought-provoking, illuminating look at Lee written from a fresh perspective….extremely well written and recommended to all.”
— Civil War News
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“A brilliant, compelling book…both beautifully written and exhaustively researched, one that conveys the complications and tragedies of Lee’s decision, his role in the subsequent war, and his life and legacy in the peace that followed.”
— General David H. Petraeus, US Army (Ret.)
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“Captures the many facets of Robert E. Lee’s crowded life…A seminal contribution of significant historiographical value.”
— Library Journal (starred review)
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“Captivating…Detailed yet accessible descriptions of battles are coupled with stories of Lee’s personal life, revealing a man as complex as the war he reluctantly joined…A fair and equitable approach to Lee, his life, and his struggle over participation in a war that tore apart the nation.”
— Publishers Weekly
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“Jonathan Horn has brought us an intriguing, nuanced, close-up portrait of a complex American leader and his fateful moment of choice.”
— Michael Beschloss, award-winning historian
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“David Drummond adroitly narrates this well-researched account of Robert E. Lee with a sonorous bass voice…Drummond keeps listeners’ attention throughout. Drummond achieves an excellent match of text and reader with a seemingly effortless narration.”
— AudioFile