When Robert E. Lee passed on without setting pen to paper on his memoirs; both North and South alike were deprived of a classic personal history of the War Between the States worthy to sit on the shelf next to Ulysses S.Grant's Personal Memoirs.The Reverend J. William Jones; Lee's chaplain; compiled this collection of reminiscences in its place as a memorial volume commemorating his death. Filled with correspondence with President Andrew Johnson; General Grant; and C.S.A. Generals Scott; Beauregard; and Longstreet; and personal anecdotes from Lee's wartime contemporaries such as Jubal Early; Jeb Magruder; Jefferson Davis; and Winfield Scott. What comes to light is a personal portrait of Lee as family man; gentleman; scholar; and soldier; as well as an eyewitness account of the war that threatened to tear the United States asunder; as witnessed by the South's greatest military leader.The Reverend J. William Jones; D.D.; was the chaplain of the Army of Northern Virginia under the command of General Robert E. Lee and after the Civil War served as chaplain for Washington College in Virginia under Lee's presidency.It was my proud privilege to have known General Lee intimately. I saw him on that day in April; 1861; on which he came to offer his stainless sword to the land that gave him birth. I followed his standard from Harper's Ferry; in 1861; to Appomattox Court-house; in 1865; coming into somewhat frequent contact with him; rejoicing with him at his long series of brilliant victories; and weeping with him when "compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. . . . "This first attempt at authorship is sent forth with a sincere desire that it may prove acceptable to the countless admirer of the great Confederate chieftain; that it may serve to give to all a higher appreciation of his noble character; and that it may prove a blessing to the young men of the country (more especially to those who "wore the gray"); by inducing them to study; in order that they may imitate; his shining virtues.
#133011 in Books Zakaria Rafia 2016-01-05 2016-01-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.99 x .78 x 5.95l; .81 #File Name: 0807080462264 pagesThe Upstairs Wife An Intimate History of Pakistan
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed reading the bookBy Adil AsharyI enjoyed reading the book; however at the same time; I was saddened by the developments that occurred in Pakistan; specially Karachi; ever since the 1980s Afghan War. While I was growing up in Karachi; it was a peaceful and fun place. I left before the war started; but I have been back many times since then; and I have seen the deterioration of the city only from the fringes. The book gave me a real insight into the events that transformed the city for the worse. As the book described; the great influx of people from the north to Karachi caused ethnic; economical social and security stresses upon the city. The corrupt politicians and military are to blame equally for the mess. The city grew haphazardly with pockets of ethnicity and total lack of proper infrastructure. This book in some ways reminded me of another book written years ago; “Maximum City†written by Suketu Metha.The parallel story in the book about author’s Aunt Amina was depressing and heartening; whereby Uncle Sohail and his two wives lived in two separate stories of the same house for twenty years. There was not only a great animosity between the two wives to the extent that had not seen each other until the very end of the book. From personal experience; I can tell you that this is highly unusual situation. While I was growing up in Pakistan; I knew of only one family with two wives to a man. I did not know all the details of their relationships; of course; but it was certainly not anything like that the trio in the book.Zakaria’s book is written very well. Once I started the book; I had a hard time in putting it down. As far as I know; The Upstairs Wife is Zakaria’s first book. I look forward to reading her future creations. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a well written story detailing the poignant history of Karachi.Adil Ashary1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great introduction to Pakistan cultureBy James in AlabamaI really enjoyed this book. The interweaving of the history of the "upstairs wife" and the history of Pakistan is; for the most part; admirably done. Some passages are a bit melodramatic; but; overall; those are rarities in this well-written and informative book. It is a great introduction to a fascinating culture. However; if you are seeking a pure macro level history of Pakistan I recommend looking elsewhere.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Yes readBy Lauren DiamondRecent history of Pakistan told alongside and in contrast and comparison with the recent "herstory" of a devout Muslim plural wife. The writer has a light hand and achieves a deft balance of fact with story; multiple plots and character. The story is permeated by the writer's love of and sympathy for her country and also; earnestly strives for objectivity in the telling of its tale.
