"A training ground for some of America's most colorful military figures: P.G.T. Beauregard, Joe Johnston, Irvin McDowell and "Stonewall" Jackson. It also marked the first strategic use of railroads and was perhaps the first time the horrors of battle were photographed for the people back home. Drawing from a wealth of material - old letters, journals, memoirs, and military records - Davis brings to life a vivid and vital chapter in American history." -- From the back cover.

Replacement copy Includes maps of: Situation of the Two Armies at Dawn, 21 JUL 1861, in the Countryside between Centreville and Manassas Junction; Bull Run, 0730 hrs.; Bull Run, 0845 hrs.; Bull Run, Mid-morning; Bull Run, 1130 hrs.; Bull Run, Early Afternoon; Bull Run, Late Afternoon; Union Rout.

List of illustrations -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- 1. An army in the making -- 2. The "southrons' gather -- 3. "Three years or the war" -- 4. The young napoleon -- 5. McDowell plans a campaign -- 6. The march to bull run -- 7. The battle of blackburn's ford -- 8. Shadows in the shenandoah -- 9. McDowell's "victory" -- 10. "Trust to the bayonet" -- 11. "A tale of defeat" -- 12. Rout and resolution -- Documentation by chapter -- Bibliography -- Index.