R. David Cox

The first close examination of how Robert E. Lee's faith shaped his life Robert E. Lee was many things-accomplished soldier, military engineer, college president, family man, polarizing figure. He was also a person of deep Christian conviction. In this biography of the famous Civil War general, R. David Cox examines Lee's beliefs and how they guided the key events of his life. Delving into family letters and other primary sources-some of them newly discovered-Cox traces the lifelong development of Lee's convictions and how they influenced his decisions to stand with Virginia over against the Union and later to support reconciliation and reconstruction in the years after the Civil War. Faith was central to Lee's character, Cox argues-so central that it directed and redirected his life, especially in the aftermath of defeat.

This practical and accessible book is a detailed discussion of the Book of Common Prayer rite of Holy Matrimony and the Episcopal understanding of the sacrament. It is an invaluable resource for those approaching marriage or for a parish study group. Although the author does not purport to have written a "how-to" book, he does give some cogent and welcome guidelines in the final section which priests, musicians, and the altar guild will be delighted to see in print. This book should be required reading during the premarital counseling period.