This book is a fascinating treatise on a man who is appropriately considered by many to be the greatest American of the nineteenth century. Esteemed by Europeans, loved by his fellow Southerners, and revered by many Northerners, Robert E. Lee was truly an extraordinary man whose life and maxims remain as ever-available tutors for modern readers. H.W.Crocker's easy writing style makes this an enjoyable and entertaining read, and I am pleased to relate that I finished this book in one sitting. Irrespective of ones personal views on the American Civil War, anyone can be educated and enlightened by many of his Lee's thought-provoking leadership decisions, many of which were made under the extreme duress of war. His accomplishments on the battlefield are legendary and his deeds as a civilian praiseworthy, yet he will always be remembered as the wily General who consistently stymied (and often defeated) numerically and materially superior Union armies. The fact that Lee managed this for nearly four years with an underfed, under-armed, rag-tag collection of Virginia farm boys makes his accomplishment all the more extraordinary. The title of this book is somewhat misleading as I was expecting it to be primarily a motivational book for American business leaders. Instead, it turned out to be a pleasant, chronological review of the Civil War for those who might enjoy some relatable moral lessons at the end of every chapter as, "Lee's Lessons." In 21st century America, success is more often than not attained by the exultant use of power; individuals and businesses utilizing any means available to gain an advantage over any and all competitors. The ultimate goal in our capitalist society will probably always be self-fulfillment at any cost. In H.W. Crocker's disquisition, we learn this to be the antithesis of Robert E. Lee's personal philosophy, which was understandably founded on the highest Christian principles of his time. Lee believed that a true leader never utilizes force or coercion; instead he leads by the power of his own example. He also believed that leaders must make every effort to do whatever they can for those less well placed than themselves. Lee's ideal was freedom, his prescription was self-discipline, and his method was kindness. As a matter of fact, Lee is the only historical personage I am aware of whose strength of character was capable of turning the Machiavellian principle of, "It is better to be feared than loved," upside down. There is no mention of Lee ever losing his temper or berating his subordinates, even when the flagrant insubordination of General Longstreet or the frequent 'excesses' of J.E.B Stuart demanded his attention. Lee dedicated his life to the Christian principles of self-denial and self-control, and it is to his credit that he always practiced what he preached. Thus, Lee's serious nature won him respect, and his quiet concern for others won him both the affection and devotion of his soldiers(and later his students). Robert E. Lee recognized the value of people as individuals, and this is probably the most important take away lesson from the business aspect of this book: people count, and individuals matter.
Vincit qui se Vincit. Loosely translated from the Latin, "he conquers who(first) conquers himself." Lee's remarkable capacity for self-control was legendary and a direct reflection of his personal and spiritual convictions. What impressed me the most about Lee was his ability to motivate those around him to accomplish and achieve more than they ever thought possible. I believe Lee to be unique among military leaders in the sense that, aside from his genius as a tactician, his remarkable battlefield successes were many times attributable to loyalty, devotion, and respect on the part of his soldiers with regard to his person. Lee was a motivator and an inspirational leader par excellence. Surprisingly, one of Lee's greatest achievements in life came after the war. As the newly elected president of Washington college, he helped transform a small backwater Virginia institution into one of the most prestigious private Universities in the nation (Washington & Lee University). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe there are yet a great many lessons yet to be learned from the 'Wily Grey Fox.' I highly recommend this motivational study to any student of American history or any person curious about one of our nations greatest leaders and noblest souls.
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CSL
A very good book, About a very good man
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2021