Clouds of Glory: The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee
Michael Korda
Hardcover; 832 pages.
HarperCollins (2014)
Clouds of Glory is a lengthy, and at times redundant, biography that focuses largely on Robert E. Lee’s career during the Civil War (only 20 pages are devoted to the last five years of his life from 1865-1870). Throughout the book, author Michael Korda utilizes his impression of Lee’s character in detailing how the general’s personality traits influenced military strategy and outcomes. Clouds of Glory is more apt to appeal to readers who are unfamiliar with the life of Robert E. Lee.
i have not read the book, but i did take a look at some specific sections to verify some impressions. i found that in the case of the Maryland Campaign of 1862, Koorda was seemingly unfamilar with Joe Harsh’s _Taken at the Flood_, and repeats a number of items of conventional wisdom that were thoroughly debunked by Harsh 15 years ago. i see little value in this book for the serious student of the Civil War.
Yes, there are several inaccuracies concerning the Civil War in the book.
yes, i saw potential issues with other campaigns, but focused on 1862 because i know it the best.