Clouds of Glory: The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee

Clouds of Glory examines the life of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from his early years through his military career and final days. The biography draws from letters, diaries, and historical records to present Lee's personal relationships, military decisions, and inner conflicts. The narrative traces Lee's path from his Virginia childhood and time at West Point through his service in the U.S. Army and eventual command of Confederate forces. Author Michael Korda details Lee's experiences in the Mexican-American War and chronicles key Civil War battles and campaigns. Beyond military matters, the book explores Lee's family dynamics, his views on slavery, and his post-war role as president of Washington College. His relationships with Jefferson Davis, Stonewall Jackson, and other key figures receive focused attention. The biography presents Lee as a complex figure shaped by duty, family heritage, and the cultural forces of his era. Through this comprehensive portrait, larger themes of honor, loyalty, and the painful divisions within American society emerge.

Readers find this biography comprehensive but shallow in analysis. Many appreciate Korda's accessible writing style and detailed coverage of Lee's family background and pre-war life. The battle descriptions receive particular praise for clarity and engagement. Liked: - Clear battle narratives with helpful maps - Coverage of Lee's personal relationships - Well-researched family history - Smooth, readable prose Disliked: - Perceived pro-South bias - Limited examination of Lee's views on slavery - Repetitive passages - Some military details contain errors - Too much focus on battles vs. character analysis Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (750+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Good introduction to Lee but doesn't dig deep enough into complex issues." Several Civil War enthusiasts point out factual mistakes in battle accounts. Multiple reviewers note the book works better as a military biography than a complete life story.

Grant by Ron Chernow This biography of Ulysses S. Grant follows his path from hardscrabble roots through military triumph to the presidency, offering Civil War era insights that complement Lee's story.

Stonewall Jackson by James Robertson The definitive biography of Lee's most trusted general provides context for the military campaigns and personalities that shaped the Confederate army.

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin This examination of Lincoln's presidency and cabinet presents the Northern perspective of the Civil War years when Lee led the Confederate forces.

American Ulysses by Ronald C. White This life story of Grant presents the Union commander who faced Lee in battle and later shaped the peace as president.

The Man Who Would Not Be Washington by Jonathan Horn This exploration of Lee's connection to George Washington illuminates Lee's struggle between loyalty to Virginia and to the Union through his family ties to America's first president.

🌟 Though Michael Korda is best known as a legendary book editor at Simon & Schuster, where he worked with authors like Richard Nixon and Joan Crawford, this 2014 biography of Lee was his own 27th published book. ⚔️ The book reveals that Lee, contrary to popular belief, was not opposed to slavery and owned several enslaved people himself, challenging the romanticized "Lost Cause" narrative that emerged after the Civil War. 🏛️ Robert E. Lee lived in Arlington House for 30 years before the Civil War; the property was deliberately turned into a military cemetery during the war to ensure Lee could never return home, eventually becoming Arlington National Cemetery. 📜 Korda's research uncovered that Lee carried a copy of his father's eulogy for George Washington in his saddlebags throughout the Civil War, highlighting his deep connection to America's revolutionary heritage. 🎖️ Despite being offered command of the Union Army by President Lincoln, Lee chose to resign his commission in the U.S. Army and join the Confederacy out of loyalty to Virginia, a decision that took him less than 24 hours to make.