"The biographies range from high-profile generals such as Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee to lesser-known figures like John A. McClernand and Leonidas Polk. With a focus on character, ability to command, personality, and how these factors would influence military decisions." -- From the book flap.

Originally published: Westport, CT : Praeger, 2004.

The making of a President -- Abraham Lincoln: Commander-in-Chief -- Winfield Scott: 'Old Fuss and Feathers' -- Irvin McDowell: Hard Luck General -- Benjamin F. Butler: The Beast -- George B. McClellan: The General with the "Slows" -- Don Carlos Buell: The McClellan of the West -- William S. Rosecrans: "Old Rosy" -- John Pope: the "Miscreant" -- John A. McClernand: The Congressman General -- Henry Wagner Halleck: "Old Brains" -- Ambrose E. Burnside: Reluctant Commander -- Ulysses S. Grant: "Unconditional Surrender Grant" -- Daniel E. Sickles: A Man of Controversy -- William Tecumseh Sherman: Advocate of Total War -- John Sedgwick: "Uncle John" -- Joseph Hooker: "Fighting Joe" -- George H. Thomas: "The Rock of Chickamauga" -- Philip Sheridan: Worth his weight on Gold -- John F. Reynolds: Man of Honor -- George Gordon Mead: The Cautious General -- Hugh Judson Kilpatrick: "Kill-Cavalry" -- Winfield Scott Hancock: "Hancock the Superb" -- Epilogue: The Death of a President.