Philip Henry Sheridan was one of the greatest Union generals of the War between the States. Yet before this brilliant leader was able to win battles, he had to win a victory over himself.

Young Phil was a headstrong and willful youngster whose solution to all boyhood difficulties was to attack with his fists. After receiving a suspension from West Point for a year because of an incident brought on by his terrible temper, he resolved to gain self-control. He kept his vow and from them on rose in stature as a careful, deliberate strategist as well as a fearless, daring fighter.

In the struggle between the North and the South, we find Phil drawing the attention of his superiors in a small but magnificently executed action at Booneville, Mississippi. We see him in Washington, where he meets President Lincoln, and where he fights for a whole new concept of cavalry deployment. And after acceptance of his plan, we follow him during the bitterly fought and seemingly endless campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley that led finally to Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse.

This is a story filled with the drama, sights and sounds of the war that restored the Union. But more than that, it is a colorful study of a captivating personality who, after conquering himself, became known as the last of the great American cavalrymen.

From the dust jacket