Introducing Books We’re Reading

(Henry Lee III, the father of Robert E. Lee, was educated at what is now Princeton University, alongside classmates James Madison and William Graham.)

‍In the final years of his life, living in the Caribbean far from his Virginia home, General Henry Lee III found himself separated from his family and stripped of his station. What remained was the counsel of a father determined to pass on hard-earned wisdom. In a series of letters written in 1816, Lee urged his children to avoid frivolous authors and instead devote themselves to "the best poets, the best orators, and the best historians," from whom one might draw "principles of moral truth, axioms of prudence and material for conversation." Elsewhere, he encouraged the serious study of history, ethics, and those writers capable of shaping both intellect and character.

At The Generals Redoubt, we strive to follow that same counsel. Though separated from Lee by more than two centuries, we share his conviction that good books remain among the surest guides to wisdom, judgment, and virtuous citizenship. In that spirit, we are pleased to introduce "Books We're Reading," a recurring feature highlighting works that have informed our members and enriched the conversations taking place throughout the organization.

Each quarter, we will feature three books that we believe will benefit both our supporters and the current generation of Washington and Lee students. Every selection is added to the growing library at Fancy Hill, where we are assembling a collection devoted to the American Founding, the Civil War, Southern history, and the intellectual traditions that shaped our nation and university. We also welcome recommendations from our readers as the collection continues to grow.

Because the stories of George Washington and Robert E. Lee remain inseparable from the history of Washington and Lee University, those subjects will often find a place in this series. At the same time, we also hope to introduce readers to works that illuminate the broader political, literary, and intellectual currents of American history. Whether revisiting enduring classics or exploring Southern literary culture through voices like Shelby Foote and Walker Percy, our goal is to encourage thoughtful reading, meaningful conversation, and a lifelong appreciation for the books that continue to shape our understanding of the past.

We invite you to join us in cultivating a community of readers. Read these books, recommend them to fellow alumni and students, and help us continue building a library—and a tradition of learning—that will benefit Washington and Lee for generations to come!

Click the button below, or visit the page under our “About” tab, to see a running list of each book. We will also occasionally write full reviews of select books.