When originally published in 1867, this book was described as "comprising a full and authentic account of the rise and progress of the late southern Confederacy - the campaigns, battles, incidents, and adventures of the most gigantic struggle of the world's history, drawn from official sources, and approved by the most distinguished Confederate leaders." Edward A Pollard (1831-1872) was Editor of the Richmond Examiner during the Civil War; generally acknowledged as the ablest and most prolific Southern writer of the period.