Gray Fox: Robert E. Lee and the Civil War

Davis is one of those rare authors who has the magical ability to to breathe life into the past through his writings. In addition to being a truly gifted writer, he is also an insightful and even-handed historian. Davis depicts Lee as a great, but not perfect general, as a complex figure who was willing to fight invading Northern armies, but who also hoped for an eventual end to slavery, as a man who while being vulnerable to pride sought the ideal of Christian humility, as kind and humane, but also willing to see men die in their thousands for the cause which he and they fought for. Moreover, while the book is written from the perspective of Lee and his army, the Northern side is still treated with respect and the same depth of understanding. Since many books on the Civil War are filled with hatred, blame, and arteficial and foolish one dimensional standards of morality, this is refreshing. I do not at all regret buying this book. I only regret that the author did not write more books. In addition to Gray Fox, I also highly recommend Davis's biography of Stonewall Jackson.

Nicely written clear and concise facts from beginning to end. Burke Davis quotes and paraphrases several first hand accounts of civilians Confederate, and Union officers. Mr. Davis also recites several letters from General Robert E. Lee to family, Jefferson Davis, Confederate officers and General Grant. The reading of this biography permeates vast knowledge of Robert E. Lee. Starting with his birth, education at West Point, emergence from the Mexican War, "with a reputation as the army's most talented young officer." Mr. Davis does a great job of conveying General Lee's concerns about the possibility of civil war. Robert E. Lee made the difficult decision to resign from the U.S. military. Here is a sample of General Lee's letter of resignation. "I have devoted all the best years of my life and all the ability I posed. During the whole time-more than a quarter of a century-I have experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors and a most cordial friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration. I shall carry to the grave the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration, and your name and fame will always be dear to me."The book is worthy of reading I'll probably read it a few more times. Therefore five stars seems appropriate for a truly amazing book. This book is for folks from any geographical area. Whatever your race, creed, culture, religion is this book can be an enjoyable read. I leave you with one last quote this is Robert E. Lee's opinion of slavery. "There are few, I believe, in this enlightened age, who will acknowledge that slavery as an institution is a moral and political evil...I think it greater evil to the white than to the black race."

This is a 'must read' for all Civil War book worms. Not only does it show the true man, Robert E. Lee, but a fine, historical review of the entire war. Prepare yourself for the last 35 pages, as you will read the best account of the surrender at Appomattox that I have ever read by ANY author.

I remember reading "Gray Fox" many years ago, and for some reason it didn't leave a major impact on me then... Then I recently bought the "new" version, and found it extremely gripping, and more importantly - quite readable.The first chapter sets the tone of the book - it tells of the inner crisis that Lee faced with Secession, the attack on Fort Sumter, and his decision to reject President Lincoln's offer of a command of the Union Army.One can sense the full drama of the moment, as Lee turns his back on his love of country and army in favor of his state, about to join the Southern Confederacy.Above all, Burke Davis is a master storyteller - and his Civil War Histories, though basically written from a Southern perspective (he has also written biographies of "Stonewall" Jackson and Jeb Stuart, as well as the wonderful "The Civil War: Strange and Fascinating Facts")are on a par with those written by Catton, Foote, and McPherson.By emphasizing both the history and the human interest aspects of Lee, Davis makes the reader feels a part of the story; as if he were at Lee's side at Antietam, Gettysburg, Appomattox...For those interested in learning both the realities as well as the legend of Lee, I would strongly suggest purchasing this book, as well as Alan Nolan's controversal "Lee Reconsidered" (which presents a more sobering view of Lee the man) as vantage points to begin reading about the man considered by many to be America's "finest General" - though I'm not so sure about that opinion myself.

Gray Fox follows Lee through his campaigns during the war. It is as much a history of certain parts of the war and a biography on Stonewall Jackson as it is on Lee. This book also examined the life of a soldier during the war. This book saw my level of thinking reach new heights, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest in the Civil War.