This work is unique in my experience of reading about the American Civil War. Instead of a linear history of the period 1861 to 1865, the author has ranked events, battles, people, and even music as they impacted the war. Thus, the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg in the Southern history), September 16-18, 1862 as the most significant event of the entire war (followed by Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Grant). To reach this conclusion, one has to consider geopolitical factors far beyond this tiny creek. The logic is good but it requires a reforming of the popular place of Honest Abe. Some might quarrel with Grant being ranked above Lee but that Grant is so ranked might be due to Grant being the winner as much as anything else. Still, while the North would have inevitably won the victory, Grant did stop Lee and force him to surrender. Similarly, the placement of Antietam before Gettysburg is also controversial. But, quibbling aside, Lanning has done a good job of defining the events in the order he has established.

One thing that seems to be conspicuously lacking is lessons learned. Only occasionally are instances identified. What is demonstrably clear is political generals rarely measure up although a few are identified. Sadly, perpetuation of what might be termed the political flag officer protective organization persists. ( )