This is the story as told from the soldiers eye view. The words do not come from the Grants or the lees or any of the Names we associate with the political and or command structure of either side. This was a conflict years in the making. Very rare is it that you have a chance to view the details of the actual participants and this must be preserved. We as americans prefer the cliff notes where everything is Black and white. Simple, Easy! For the men who fought and died it was neither easy or simple! They fought to shape a country as they saw it and should be applauded on both sides. I love this book!!