Robert E. Lee: Gallant Christian Soldier

The Sowers

by Lee Roddy, A.G. Smith (Illustrator)

A biography of the leader of the Confederate forces during the Civil War.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Historical, Civil War, Faith, School

169 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Lee Roddy's journalism career began as a radio drama script writer. He has been a newspaper and radio broadcast executive with experience in advertising agencies and public relations. His award-winning newspaper was sold in 1973, and he is presently a full-time Christian writer. On the West Coast he writes and edits for prominent Christian leaders. He has taught many writing courses including sessions at Mount Herman Christian Writers Conference and Biola College. He is the author of numerous books and his published items number in the thousands both for secular and Christian publications. As a lifelong history buff he has written hundreds of newspaper columns on the subject. For several years he wrote and narrated the radio series "Your American Heritage." Mr. Roddy is a graduate of Los Angeles State College and lives in California with his wife near Disneyland. He has two grown children.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what it was, I really liked it. I didn't realize how many people Robert E Lee was connected with before the Civil War. I've always wanted to know more about the type of person Robert E Lee was and this was a quick read that gives an insight that is admirable. Modern history books paint a slightly less honorable picture of this man. I was impressed.

I did find the writing style to be mildly choppy, but not so much so that it was a distraction.

[Marius Sun Tzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the life of Robert E. Lee. It is showing how he grew up. It is about how he remained strong in his faith in God even though he endured many hardships. I would recommend this book for people to read because it shows them how we can trust in God to help us during our hard times.

[SLIM SHADY Gontier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a boy who wants to be a soldire and is inspired by his mom to be a strong christian.

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author begins with the incredible declaration that: “I searched diligently for a flaw in Lee’s character. I found none.” What follows is a hagiography for young readers that stretches every historical detail to make this declaration seem plausible.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book positively summarizes the life of a great man who had to make very tough decisions when called upon to command the Union Army that would attack his own state of Virginia, where generations of Lee’s had lived for generations. Instead, he accepted a leadership role in the Confederate Army to defend his native state.

Lee was a Southern Gentlemen who was highly respected by all who knew him, as were many of the Lee’s of Virginia. Though he was a “Lee,” his portion of the family fortunes were gone. When it was time for college, West Point was the best choice financially. Prior to the Civil War, Lee was known for his heroism in the War with Mexico, which ended in an American victory and once and for all set the Rio Grande River as the boundary line between Mexico and America.

The book contains many direct quotes taken from his correspondences. The book also states that when he drew up a will right before going to fight in the Mexican War, he only had one slave, Nancy, and her children, who he planned to free at an appropriate time. When his wife inherited the expansive Arlington Mansion that sat across the Potomac River from Washington, DC., she also inherited many slaves. They were to be freed within five years. Instead, Arlington was taken by the Union, and today it is Arlington National Cemetery.

After the Civil War, Lee was offered a position as president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, where he made many innovative improvements. (After his death, the college honored him by changing its name to Washington and Lee University.)

[Devonne West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Roddy says, "I searched diligently for a flaw in Lee's character. There was none." I have read several books about Robert E Lee and I never tire of reading of him. This book goes into more historical detail about the conversations that he had with his subordinates and also with Grant at Appomattox Court House when he surrendered. It was great to see his opinions on things such as seceding from the Union, state's rights, and slavery.
Great book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. We were all a little disappointed with this book.
It just seemed to lack a flow at times- and this book really seemed to keep pushing his faith to the forefront in a way that lacked authenticity. I would love to read another biography on Lee that does a better job of honoring him.

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING 3.69 STARS

Slow start, but eye-opening and interesting look at the life of a man under attack many decades after his death. Sad and shameful that his life has been boiled down to one issue - one that isn't even accurate at that.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend it for ages 8-12. At the beginning the author states he could not find a flaw in Lee’s character and the book is written accordingly.

[Gail Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent choice for middle school history buffs; or anyone seeking to learn more about Robert E Lee.