In this book, thirteen eminent historians discuss the origins of and legacy of a landmark conflict in the American Civil War.
Tearing apart a nation founded on ideals of liberty and union, the American Civil War saw some of the most bitter and bloody fighting that humankind has ever witnessed. The war changed America forever, shaping its future and determining its place in history.
Each chapter offers a fresh perspective on the key themes of the Civil War. Innovation in military and naval warfare, espionage, emancipation, personalities of the leaders both on and off the battlefield, and the home front are explored, painting a fascinating and comprehensive picture of America at war with itself.

Acknowledgements
Contributors
Foreword
Chronology
Extremists at the gate
Origins of the American Civil War by Dr William A. Blair
I would not be master
Governing the War by Professor Richard Carwardine
The power of the land
Leadership on the Battlefield by Robert K. Kirk
Our hearts were touched with fire
The Men who Fought the War by Dr Gerald J. Prokopowiez
Remorseless, revolutionary struggle
A People's War by Professor Mark Grimsley

Uncle Sam's web-feet
Winning the War at Sea by Dr Craig L. Symonds
They came to butcher our people
The Civil War in the West by Dr Jeffrey S. Prushankin
That great essential of success
Espionage, Covert Action, and Military Intelligence by Dr William B. Feis
We never yielded in the struggle
The Home Front by Professor Victoria E. Bynum
The world will forever applaud
Emancipation by Dr Michael Vorenberg
One great society
Europe and the Civil War by Dr Hugh Dubrulle
A fearful lesson
The Legacy of the American Civil War by Aaron Sheehan-Dean
Endnotes
Further reading
Index

Dr Aaron Sheehan-Dean is Assistant Professor of History at the University of North Florida. He completed his PhD at the University of Virginia. He has devoted most of his academic career to the study of the American Civil War and has published essays on various themes surrounding the conflict. He lives and works in Florida.
Contributors include: William Blair, Victoria E. Bynum, Richard J. Carwardine, Hugh Dubrulle, William B. Feis, Mark Grimsley, Robert Krick, Gerald J. Prokopowicz, Jeffrey Prushankin, Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Craig L. Symonds and Michael Vorenberg.