In "The King of Spades - Life and Military Career of General Robert E. Lee," John Esten Cooke offers a richly detailed account of one of America's most storied military figures. Written in the mid-19th century, the book effectively marries an engaging narrative style with a profound analysis of Lee's character and military strategies. Cooke's prose is a captivating blend of biography and military history that reflects the societal values and tensions...