"The Virginia Military Institute launched an educational revolution when it became the first school in the American South to combine classical and practical courses under an effective system of military discipline. It pioneered free schooling for the poor and exemption from tuition and board in exchange for two years of teaching"-- Provided by publisher.

Prologue: "A day I will never forget" -- Part I. In the beginning -- The growth of the mind -- A classical education -- Part II. Father of the dream -- The Cives letters -- The battle of the arsenal bills -- From dream to reality -- Part III. The first decade -- Professor of modern languages -- Classical and practical -- VMI under attack -- Fluctuations -- The challenge of discipline -- Part IV. Morning and evening star -- A new physics professor -- Irreparable loss -- Venus -- A grave question of educational reform -- Part V. Reluctant Confederates -- Shades of conflict -- Virginia first and last -- Jackson's chief of staff -- Craney Island -- He cannot be spared -- Part VI. The gloom and the glory -- Slain in battle -- The shuddering horror of death -- This savage and ferocious war -- It made our hearts leap -- Part VII. Twilight -- Like a bolt of lightning -- God and slavery -- Beyond the sunset -- Brigadier General and Doctor of Laws -- Finis Opus Coronat -- Epilogue.