Robert E. Lee and Me

A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause

By: Ty Seidule

Narrated by: Ty Seidule

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

"The narrator’s skill as an educator is evident in this production. Seidule's varied tone and pace keep listeners engaged while he describes historical events in detail." (Booklist)

This program is read by the author.

In a forceful but humane narrative, former soldier and head of the West Point history department Ty Seidule's Robert E. Lee and Me challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy - and explores why some of this country’s oldest wounds have never healed.

Ty Seidule grew up revering Robert E. Lee. From his southern childhood to his service in the US Army, every part of his life reinforced the Lost Cause myth: that Lee was the greatest man who ever lived, and that the Confederates were underdogs who lost the Civil War with honor. Now, as a retired brigadier general and Professor Emeritus of History at West Point, his view has radically changed. From a soldier, a scholar, and a southerner, Ty Seidule believes that American history demands a reckoning.

In a unique blend of history and reflection, Seidule deconstructs the truth about the Confederacy - that its undisputed primary goal was the subjugation and enslavement of Black Americans - and directly challenges the idea of honoring those who labored to preserve that system and committed treason in their failed attempt to achieve it. Through the arc of Seidule’s own life, as well as the culture that formed him, he seeks a path to understanding why the facts of the Civil War have remained buried beneath layers of myth and even outright lies - and how they embody a cultural gulf that separates millions of Americans to this day.

Part history lecture, part meditation on the Civil War and its fallout, and part memoir, Robert E. Lee and Me challenges the deeply-held legends and myths of the Confederacy - and provides a surprising interpretation of essential truths that our country still has a difficult time articulating and accepting.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

"Perhaps the best attribute of this fine book is the author’s honesty. It’s difficult to imagine a more timely book than Robert E. Lee and Me. At this pivotal moment, when we are debating some of the most painful aspects of our history, Seidule’s unsparing assessment of the Lost Cause provides an indispensable contribution to the discussion." (Washington Post)

"In this fine book Ty Seidule scorches us with the truth and rivets us with his fierce sense of moral urgency. I can't think of a better book to enrich and invigorate our national discussion about race and memory and the troubled legacy of Robert E. Lee and the Confederacy." (New York Times bestselling author of Alexander Hamilton)

"A beautiful, often searing meditation on race, history, and the American narrative. Evocative and provocative, Robert E. Lee and Me is honest, wry, and utterly engaging." (Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The British are Coming)

©2021 Ty Seidule (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Brilliant. Should be required reading at W&L and elsewhere

A brilliant, thoughtful, well written and narrated reckoning of the lost cause mythology. As a southern native and alum of Washington and Lee, this book made me think in new ways about my roots and culture. It teaches about about some amazing black Americans and lays bare the horrific racial oppression and white washing practiced for centuries. This should be required reading in southern schools - especially Washington and Lee.

Eye Opening and Well Done

As a boy of the south and a graduate of W&L this book opened my eyes and I am very grateful for the research and writing of this history. Well done!

leaving the lost cause

a great biopic of leaving behind the lost cause myth and respecting history. the author thoroughly debunks the lost cause narrative from the perspective of a true southern gentleman.

Must Read

Most of us grew up influenced by the propaganda of the “lost cause”. This book is the story of one person learning the truth and trying to make things right. His military background and Ph.D in history give the author the credibility to address white supremacy as few others can.

Finding his Truth

Great historical references mixed with a soul searching journey! The author does a great job of putting himself in the cross hairs as well.

I am so glad that this author taught my son!

I am the proud parent of 3 West Pointers. After reading this book, I now know why my second eldest son and namesake made History his college major at West Point: BG Ty Seidule! He is a Master Educator, Scholar, & Military Leader. My Son (Class of 2011) actually recommended the book to me and I just got off the phone thanking him. After 20+ years of US Army military service, I have rarely come upon such an insightful history book presentation filled with so many hard learned truths; written for both today and tomorrow.

LTC Joe Murray II; USA SC, Ret.

An important book

Covers a topic important to the future of our country in a sensitive and intelligent way.

Compelling Argument

For every person that questions base renaming, Ty makes a compelling argument for why we need to do it citing facts. A must read for anyone that says the military is “woke.”

A must read for every American!

Every American can see some element of their indoctrination in this narrative. We all need to realize that our beliefs are not always the result of nature, more often than not they are built by social norms around us during our formative years.

Required Reading

A long needed historical correction. Ty Seidule delivers a narrative that will knock your socks off. This Virginia native will never look at the mythology crammed down our throats by those grooming our youthful minds to be White Supremacists in adulthood the same way. Thank you Professor Seidule.