A riveting, indispensable history of the Civil War, told chronologically—from the first shots fired at Fort Sumter to the surrender in the summer of 1865—a conflict that James McPherson in the Foreword calls "the most dramatic, violent, and fateful experience in American history."

In this compelling account of the American Civil War, noted historian David Eicher gives us an authoritative history of battle from the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee's surrender at Appomattox. As a strictly military history, The Longest Night covers hundreds of engagements, both well known and obscure, including the oft-neglected Western theater and naval actions along the coasts and rivers. The result is a gripping popular history that will fascinate anyone just learning about the Civil War while offering more than a few surprises for longtime students.

Drawing on hundreds of sources and excerpts from correspondence by those who fought the war, The Longest Night conveys a real sense of life—and death—on the battlefield. In addition, Eicher analyzes each side's evolving strategy; examines the tactics of Lee, Grant, Johnston, and Sherman; and discusses significant topics such as prisons, railroads, shipbuilding, clandestine operations, and the role of African-Americans in the war. This is an definitive chronicle of the war that, as the author writes, "like no other conflict in our history, casts a long shadow onto modern America."