Robert E. Lee's Lighter Side by Thomas Forehand

Robert E. Lee's Lighter Side by Thomas Forehand

Lee's quiet demeanor and military persona often obscured his lighter side, and many Civil War buffs are unaware of the diverse range of his humorous observations and antics. He joked about himself, academia, military food, spiritualism, courtship and marriage, artists, newspaper editors, fashion, and more.

Compiled here are over one hundred examples of the width and breadth of Lee's humor, dating from his youth to his last working day as president of Washington College. Also noted are some of the less-frequently published points about the Lee family, including wife Mary's concern over the depth and sincerity of Lee's faith, their family connection to Napoleon, and stories of Lee's father during the War of 1812. This collection of surprising vignettes, amusing comments, and good-natured pranks makes an ideal gift for Civil War enthusiasts who may think they know all there is to know about Robert E. Lee.

Thomas Forehand, Jr., has spent most of his life in the field of public and religious education and currently works as a civil servant. He earned his B.S. in radio and television journalism and later attended the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives with his wife and two children in Clarksville, Tennessee. In 2004, he was awarded the Robert E. Lee Award from the Tennessee Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.