Book Summary and Reviews of Robert E. Lee and Me by Ty Seidule

Book Summary

In a forceful but humane narrative, former soldier and head of the West Point history department Ty Seidule's Robert E. Lee and Me challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy―and explores why some of this country's oldest wounds have never healed.

Ty Seidule grew up revering Robert E. Lee. From his southern childhood to his service in the U.S. Army, every part of his life reinforced the Lost Cause myth: that Lee was the greatest man who ever lived, and that the Confederates were underdogs who lost the Civil War with honor. Now, as a retired brigadier general and Professor Emeritus of History at West Point, his view has radically changed. From a soldier, a scholar, and a southerner, Ty Seidule believes that American history demands a reckoning.

In a unique blend of history and reflection, Seidule deconstructs the truth about the Confederacy―that its undisputed primary goal was the subjugation and enslavement of Black Americans―and directly challenges the idea of honoring those who labored to preserve that system and committed treason in their failed attempt to achieve it. Through the arc of Seidule's own life, as well as the culture that formed him, he seeks a path to understanding why the facts of the Civil War have remained buried beneath layers of myth and even outright lies―and how they embody a cultural gulf that separates millions of Americans to this day.

Part history lecture, part meditation on the Civil War and its fallout, and part memoir, Robert E. Lee and Me challenges the deeply-held legends and myths of the Confederacy―and provides a surprising interpretation of essential truths that our country still has a difficult time articulating and accepting.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. The author argues that history is dangerous. What does he mean?
2. What is the Lost Cause of Confederacy myth and what is its purpose?
3. Seidule presents three different identities: soldier, scholar, and southerner. Which identity is most important to him?
4. Few historians write memoirs. Why did the author choose this format?
5. Why did Seidule idolize Robert E. Lee as a child?
6. The author uses the term, "educated Christian gentleman" repeatedly. Why is that term so fraught for Seidule?
7. Seidule uses several books and movies from his childhood to explain the Lost Cause myth. Can you think of media that informed you about race? Were they accurate?
8. Seidule uses his hometown's tortured racial ...