This penetrating and provocative book captures the tragic relaities of war, reveals the varied human responses to the inhumanities arising during times of violent crisis. It permits readers to follow the final 36 hours in the life of Congederate Richmond, to share with those who experienced those frightful yet fascinating events what it was like to be in the historic city "set on a hill" waiting amidst crackling flames and exploding magazines for the victors to march in. No Civil War buff and no one who appreciates a good story and first-rate history will want to miss this.