In this thoughtful portrait, acclaimed historian Albert Marrin presents a well-rounded view of one of America's most complex figures. From a troubled childhood to his rise as a brilliant strategist, Robert E. Lee is shown as both a devoted Virginian and a conflicted man grappling with the issue of slavery.
 
Portraying this iconic figure, Marrin paints a complete picture of this complex man. Divided between his view of slavery and his loyalty to his beloved Virginia, Lee rose from an impoverished and tragic childhood to become one of the greatest military minds America has ever known even while being lauded for his kind, generous leadership. Marrin writes of Lee while including the stories of the ordinary soldiers, the Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks. The victories, defeats, successes and failures of each side are portrayed in vivid and personal detail.
 
About the Author: 
Dr. Albert Marrin is a master at weaving personal perspective and historical material smoothly to give readers an interesting and reliable account of the subject. He has written over two dozen award-winning nonfiction books for young people which have been called addictive reading by The Horn Book. This is a wonderful clue to the type of author Marrin is. We at BFB respect his work and are so pleased to be publishing several of his titles. Three of his books, including Hitler and Stalin: Russia's Man of Steel, were School Library Journal Best Books of the Year.