* Want to know which general was the most respected by soldiers on both sides? * Ever wonder why George Thomas is considered the best combat general of the war? * How did Union general Ulysses S. Grant attain such a high rank after numerous failures in civilian life? * What made the dour, almost fanatically religious Stonewall Jackson perhaps the best combat leader in the Confederacy? Read history professor Richard M. Walsh's entertaining book! He reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the Civil War's top generals using extensive primary documents and original research. Included are the surprising answers to these intriguing questions and more. Walsh explains why Ambrose Burnside was demoted, who gave George McClellan the nickname "Young Napoleon," and why men of both sides respected Robert E. Lee. He uncovers why Nathan Bedford Forrest and William T. Sherman were both hated and respected and why Stonewall Jackson was labeled "Tom Fool" while teaching at the Virginia Military Institute.

Walsh even includes citizen-soldiers who quickly advanced in rank on both sides. Fascinating facts are gathered in chapters that group the generals from the worst to the not so bad to the best, all punctuated by satirical portraits drawn by Charles H. Hayes. Walsh's record is a must-read for history buffs from both sides of the Mason-Dixon! An adjunct professor specializing in American and European history, Richard M. Walsh teaches courses on the American Revolution, Civil War, Native American-US government relations, imperialism, and the history and culture of Ireland. He received a bachelor of arts degree in economics and history from Siena College and a master of science degree in education and history from Long Island University. A prolific author, father of four, and grandfather of two, he lives with his wife and two large Newfoundland dogs in Northport, New York. Charles H.

Hayes is an author and award-winning artist who delights in satirical portraits. After retiring, he opened an art gallery and developed his skills as a sculptor. Hayes has received numerous awards for his art and political cartoons. He is the author and illustrator of The Gray and the Blue: A Comic Strip History of the Civil Warand Civil War Limericks,both available from Pelican. Hayes is a longtime resident of Tyler, Texas.