This narrative of the Civil War struggle for the Mississippi River is the first comprehensive single-volume account to appear in over a century. It tells the story of the series of campaigns the Union conducted on land and water to conquer Vicksburg and of the many efforts by the Confederates to break the siege of the fortress. Here is the unfolding drama of the campaign in a clear and readable style, correct long-standing myths along the way, and examine the profound strategic efforts of the eventual Union victory.

The river and the war --Gibraltar on the Mississippi -- On to Vicksburg -- The first onslaught -- Dark winter -- Detour in Louisiana -- River of no return -- The odds are overpowering -- The shriek of an eagle -- Indecision, indecision, indecision -- A grand and appalling sight -- Outcamp the enemy -- Too weak to save Vicksburg -- The glorious Fourth -- No longer a point of danger -- The Mississippi is opened.