57 pages • 1 hour read
Ty SeiduleRobert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Robert E. Lee and Me by Ty Seidule is a memoir and historical analysis where Seidule, a former US Army Brigadier General, recounts his Southern upbringing surrounded by the veneration of Robert E. Lee and the "Lost Cause" myth. He chronicles his journey from a childhood steeped in Confederate nostalgia to a deep, critical examination of American history, particularly the pervasive and destructive nature of the Lost Cause ideology in society. The book addresses topics such as slavery, racist violence, and systemic oppression, challenging long-held beliefs and exploring the importance of historical truth.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ty Seidule's Robert E. Lee and Me is praised for its candid self-examination and historical insight. Reviewers commend its compelling narrative and courage in challenging entrenched myths about the Confederacy and Lee. Some critiques note occasional repetitiveness and a strong didactic tone, but overall, the book is considered a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about history and memory.
Who Should Read Robert E. Lee and Me?
Ideal for history and military enthusiasts, especially those interested in American Civil War narratives and the legacy of Confederate symbols. Readers of White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and The Lost Cause by Edward A. Pollard will appreciate Ty Seidule's introspective and critical examination of Robert E. Lee.
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
U.S. South • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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