"Drawing extensively upon the letters, diaries, and memoirs of Northern soldiers, Hess reveals their deepest fears and shocks, and also their sources of inner strength. By identifying recurrent themes found in these accounts, Hess constructs a multilayered view of the many ways in which these men coped with the challenges of battle."--Jacket.

Innocents at war -- Paying for victory -- The nature of battle -- Defining courage -- Holding on -- The psychology of the battle line -- Shaping the battle experience -- Knowing war -- Memories -- Conclusion.