An individual writer's name goes on the cover, but every book is a collaboration. There are many people I must thank for assisting me in the production of this book. First, I wish to acknowledge the many great historians who have preceded me. Their names are in the Bibliography. I hope that readers of this book will turn to the vast, rich literature of the Civil War and the rest of American history.
With much gratitude, I want to single out some of the many people at William Morrow and Avon Books who have assisted me: Will Schwalbe, Beccy Goodhart, Sharyn Rosenblum, William Wright, Mike Greenstein, Bruce Brill, and Rachel Klayman. I'd like to also thank my friend Mark Levine, as well as Professor Matthew Murdzak, for their readings of the manuscript, and David Black for his help.
Among my many supportive friends, I wish to thank two points of light, Rosemary Altea and Joni Evans. Their encouragement, insight, and wisdom are precious gifts to me.
I trace my love of history to my parents, who understood that history and learning aren't found only in books, but in places like Gettysburg. So to them, again, my thanks. I am always grateful to my own children, Colin and Jenny, for their patience, love and just being. And to Joann, the biggest thank you for making it all possible.
The greatest surprise and pleasure of my work has been meeting with and hearing from teachers all over the country. No praise is more gratifying to me than the words of teachers and students who have found something useful, stimulating, or challenging in my books. We ask our teachers to do a critical and difficult job without giving them proper support—or credit. Most of the teachers I have encountered bring love, deep commitment, and sacrifice to their work. To the teachers of America, this book is dedicated.