Why should we study Robert E. Lee? Why did he make the fateful decision to betray his country? How should we judge Robert E. Lee? Allen C. Guelzo, Director of the James Madison Program’s Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship, joins Madison’s Notes to answer these questions and others.

Robert E. Lee: A Life: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/robert-e-lee-allen-c-guelzo/1139190394

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  1. WilliamWarford Coolidge
    WilliamWarford
    @WilliamWarford

    No wonder Prof. Guelzo has the record for appearances on the show; that was was fabulous. I read the book after the hearing him on MN last year and enjoyed it very much. Yes, I could hear his voice throughout the book, saying, “Don’t do it!” Prof. Guelzo answers the question, as well as anyone can, of why Lee did it. 

    I would also love to read about the Popular Front — that has my vote for his next project! 

    Thank you both for an informative and entertaining 80 minutes.

     

     

    • #1
  2. colleenb Member
    colleenb
    @colleenb

    @WilliamWarford: I agree on a book about the Popular Front. It would be timely too. Great interview. I learned some things about Lee that I had not known. Also, I just don’t see how Washington & Lee can ever get rid of his part of the name. He made that university. If you have not already done so, I recommend visiting the college, especially the chapel.

    • #2
  3. WilliamWarford Coolidge
    WilliamWarford
    @WilliamWarford

    colleenb (View Comment):

    @ WilliamWarford: I agree on a book about the Popular Front. It would be timely too. Great interview. I learned some things about Lee that I had not known. Also, I just don’t see how Washington & Lee can ever get rid of his part of the name. He made that university. If you have not already done so, I recommend visiting the college, especially the chapel.

    I have not visited W&L but would like to see that chapel. I read “Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner’s Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause” by Ty Seidule, a friend of a friend, and he talks quite a bit about the chapel. Good book.

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  4. colleenb Member
    colleenb
    @colleenb

    Yes @williamwarford the chapel is – or used to be – quite a monument/memorial/worship space to Lee. A bit over the top (again 15 + years ago) even for someone who views Lee as not totally negative.

    • #4
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