This collection of essays scratches a bit of the luster off General Robert E. Lee by examining his ability as a commander. The 21 essays were authored by current researchers on the Civil War and by 19th century military analysts, including a Union veteran. There are five new articles in the book. The unifying theme of the articles is the questioning of Lee"s role in the defeat of the Confederacy. Greatly admired by his troops, he plunged the Army of Northern Virginia into some of the most brutal fighting in military history. Lee the Soldier carefully weighs the notion that Lee"s bold moves may have hastened the South"s defeat.