To Appomattox; Nine April days, 1865.

This book is an excellent historical record of the concluding days of the War Between the States.

Of all the historical books I've ever read, this one above all others made history come alive. I could go into detail about writing styles, sources of information and research but other reviewers have done a great job of that already. I can only say that this was one of the few book that I've read in my life that I just couldn't put down, could not turn the pages fast enough, and when I was done just sat and reflected for a while. The text flows so freely and the narrative is so fast paced that you should be able to feel the urgency Lee felt as the noose closed around him and his troops. Hold on to your hat, you're in for a wild ride!

Living near Richmond,I have followed the trail of Lee's retreat in toto twice and in part more than I can count.This book brought every mile to life for me.The ironies and tragedies that dogged every foot just blow me away.So many of the places in the book are still there to be contemplated.Travel the trench lines around Petersburg,visit the crater,start out at Pamplin and follow the sad ,desperate line of soldiers.You can almost feel their shuffling ghosts.At the end,stand in the McLean House and say a prayer for all who lost so much in this tragedy.

A detailed, factual account of the last days of the Army of Northern Virginia. Virginia historian Greg Eanes said, "The personal stories expertly weaved together by Burke Davis are inspirational and motivated me to continue research and eventually write and have published 'The Black Day of the Army, April 6, 1865: The Battles of Sailor's Creek'. Mr. Davis' work is timeless and is must reading for anyone interested in those final days."

Burke Davis has hit homeruns with other Civil War books on the fall of Richmond and the flight of Jefferson Davis, on Sherman's March, and a good bio of J.E.B. Stuart. This one follows the Confederate defenders of Petersburg and Richmond til the surrender at Appomattox. This book uses tons of first person accounts based on letters, diaries, newspaper articles, and memoirs. Davis writes in a crisp, readable style that will keep you turning the pages. Much has been written about Lee's surrender at Appomattox and this is surely one of the best books on the subject from a Confederate point of view.