The study of the Civil War in the Western Theatre is more popular now than ever before, and the centre of that interest is the months-long Vicksburg Campaign, which is the subject of National Park Historian Terrence J. Winschel's new book Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign, Vol 2.

Following up on the popular success of his earlier book of the same name, Winschel offers ten new chapters of insights into what has been declared by many to have been the most decisive campaign of the Civil War. Designed to appeal to both general readers and serious students, Winschel's essays cover a wide range of topics, including military operations, naval engagements, leading personalities and even the story of a family caught up in the nightmarish 47-day siege that nearly cost them their lives.

Eloquently written and well researched, these new chapters offer a balanced and comprehensive analysis written with the authority that only someone who has served as Vicksburg's Chief Historian since 1978 can produce. Bolstered by photographs, illustrations and numerous outstanding original maps, this second volume in the Triumph& Defeat series will stand as a lasting contribution to the study of the Civil War.

Terrence J. Winschel is the author of many books, including Triumph& Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign (1998, 2004), Vicksburg is the Key: The Struggle for the Mississippi River (2003), Vicksburg: Fall of the Confederate Gibraltar (1999) and The Civil War Diary of a Common Soldier (2000). Terry is also a popular speaker on the Civil War Round Table circuit and has made frequent appearances on the History Channel. He lives in Vicksburg, where he works as the battlefield's chief historian.