"This lively and authoritative book opens a hitherto neglected chapter of Civil War history, telling the stories of hundreds of women who adopted male disguise and fought as soldiers"-- From the back cover.

Originally published: Baton Rouge : Louisiana State University Press, ©2002.

Introduction. "Entrenched in secrecy" : women soldiers of the Civil War -- "They fought like demons" : a military history of women in combat -- "To dress and go as a soldier" : means and motivations -- "A fine looking soldier" : life in the ranks -- "Fairly earned her epaulettes" : women soldiers in the military service -- "Why they detained her I can't imagine" : the prisoner of war experience -- "I would rather have been shot dead" : women soldiers as casualties of war -- "A congenital peculiarity" : women discovered in the ranks -- "Romantic young ladies" : female soldiers in the public consciousness -- When Jennie came marching home : women soldiers in the postwar years -- Beyond heroes or harlots : the changing historical perspective -- Conclusion. "I love my country" : a summation of women's military service.