Tearing apart a nation founded on ideals of liberty and union, the American Civil War saw some of the most bitter and bloody fighting that humankind has witnessed. Twelve eminent historians explore the origins and legacy of this landmark conflict focusing on key themes to provide fresh insights into the nature of the Civil War. Innovation in warfare, espionage, emancipation, personalities of leaders both on and off the battlefield, and the dynamics of a nation at war are amongst the topics covered.