A very interesting book about an author, newspaper editor and soldier who assumed importance as the man who help rally the Irish to the Union cause during the Civil War. As such, he became very important and made numerous friends at the highest levels. After the war he also became a great influence in national politics. His fatal weaknesses were alcohol and his almost all-consuming ambition.

The book also exposes numerous myths of the war that are ingrained into our national consciousness. I particularly value it for this aspect.

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