Traces the life of the controversial Civil War general, and argues that an unsettled childhood helped shape his character.

Originally published: New York : Free Press, c1993. Originally published: New York : Free Press, Ã1993.

Acknowledgments -- Prologue -- Unstable beginnings -- Making Southern friends -- Gold Rush soldier -- Setting down roots -- Disorder of financial life -- Contented Southern schoolmaster -- Reluctant warrior under attack -- Rebirth at Shiloh -- Restoring order to Memphis -- Battling the Bayous to reach the Vicksburg fortress -- Practicing destructive war in Mississippi -- Atlanta falls -- March to the sea -- Punishing South Carolina and ensuring victory -- Fame tarnished -- National hero and the South's friend -- Indian country chaos -- Anchor of home -- Commanding general versus the politicians -- Retiring from the Army and refusing the presidency -- Safeguarding historical order -- Full life ends.