Presents the life of the Confederate general, describing his childhood, his thirty-five year career in the U.S. Army, his decision to fight for the South during the Civil War, and his command of some of the famous battles of the war.

Escaping family history -- Corps of cadets -- "Worthy of each other" -- "The little Lees" -- "Here working for my country" Part I -- War with Mexico -- "Here working for my country" Part II -- Trouble with "the people" -- "I shall mourn for my country" -- The first year -- Valour fortitude & boldness" -- "We cannot afford to be idle" -- Victory and defeat -- "A mere question of time" -- Siege and surrender -- "The coward looks back" -- "General Lee's college" -- "Peace is not restored" -- "Only the hero of a lost cause" -- Epilogue: Myth building.