This book, in the Seminar Studies in History series, is an up-to-date synthesis of the vast literature which the subject has generated. Books in this Seminar Studies in History series bridge the gap between textbook and specialist survey and consists of a brief "Introduction" and/or "Background" to the subject followed by a substantial and authoritative section of "Analysis" focusing on the main themes and issues. There is a succinct "Assessment" of the subject, a generous selection of "Documents" and a detailed bibliography. Although the military side is covered in the book, this is by no means just a blow-by-blow account of the war. Equal attention is given to the economy, society (including the role of women) and politics - both in the Union and the Confederacy. In the final assessment chapter emancipation (and its social consequences) and wartime reconstruction are both explored. The book is supported by a fascinating collection of documents, a chronology of the main events, and a guide to the main characters. Readers interested in American history of the American Civil war.