Robert Krick is an engaging author, making this an enjoyable read. This is the second in a series of four Osprey Essential Histories volumes dedicated to the American Civil War. As always with Osprey publications, this volume is to be considered as a primer to the topic it deals with. In this case, at first glance the author sticks to the formula - the chronology is correct, narrative is brief and informative, all the facts you's expect to be there are there.