Robert E. Lee First Soldier of the Confederacy

From Nov. '05 School Library JournalGr 8-10?All three books are well written and well illustrated with photographs, reproductions, and maps. Brager introduces readers to the complex man behind the legend. Jackson was a poor farm boy who struggled academically at West Point, yet went on to teach at the Virginia Military Institute (although he wasn't known as a very good instructor). He was revered by the Southern populace and often abhorred by his subordinates. Rice begins with Lee's youth, followed by his early career and marriage. He discusses the general's military prowess in great depth, not only describing the battles in which he fought, but also his personal reactions to them. Grant is similar in scope and content. A great deal of detail is given on the man's early career, including his participation in the Mexican-American War, and there is full coverage of his successful tenure as ?general in chief of the Union armies.' His battles with alcohol and his often-unsuccessful life out of the military are also detailed. These accessible titles are full of compelling and interesting insights into these important figures.'Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TNRice, Earle, Jr. is the author of 'Robert E. Lee First Soldier of the Confederacy', published 2005 under ISBN 9781931798471 and ISBN 1931798478.