"Rocks and War is the first study of the Battle of Second Manassas to show the importance of the landscape through which the opposing generals maneuvered. Stonewall Jackson's, James Longstreet's, and Robert E. Lee's understanding of those landforms decisively tilted the campaign's outcome in their favor. Their activities took place through four different geologic provinces, starting with John Pope's use of the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers as defensive positions. At the same time the Blue Ridge and the Bull Run Mountain shielded most of the Confederates." "Longstreet and Lee had to move through Thoroughfare Gap to join Jackson and attack Pope. That gap, carved through the resistant quartzite of Bull Run Mountain by Broad Run's waters, is a focal point of this account."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved