Presents the most detailed regimental level account ever written of the critical and often overlooked first day of the war's greatest battle, using primary, first-hand sources almost entirely, many of which were unpublished.

Introduction -- Prologue : the Civil War at flood tide -- The armies move north -- The first day : July 1, 1863 -- The second day : July 2, 1863 -- The third day : July 3, 1863 -- Retreat and pursuit -- Epilogue : the Confederacy at ebb tide -- Appendix A : Order of battle -- Appendix B : Casualties -- Suggestions for further reading.