The American Civil War tore the nation apart in the 1860s, and in some ways, it continues to do so today, with arguments over states’ rights, racism, and Confederate flags and monuments. Robert E. Lee became the face of one side of this debate. Much of our knowledge about Lee is gained culturally, filtered through public opinion and our own personal biases. This book provides a more holistic view of Lee, detailing his life before the war, thoughts he communicated during it, and his nineteenth-century Virginian background. It offers a chance to learn about the roots of the controversy around Lee, as well as enough facts for readers to develop opinions for themselves.