This volume is dominated by the almost continual confrontation of great armies. The key great battle at Gettysburg is given masterly treatment, not as legend has it but as it really was, before it was distorted by controversy and overblown by remembered glory.

This volume is dominated by the almost continual confrontation of great armies. For the fourth time, the Army of the Potomac (now under the control of Burnside) attempts to take Richmond, resulting in the blood-bath at Fredericksburg. Then Joe Hooker tries again, only to be repulsed at Chancellorsville as Stonewall Jackson turns his flank-a bitter victory for the South, paid for by the death of Lee's foremost lieutenant.