The third volume in the American Civil War Commanders series published by Osprey is a collection of 25 Union generals who were involved in the Western Theater of the Civil War. The Union’s greatest generals – the ones who eventually won the war - came from this theater.

After General McClellan was removed, General Halleck was made his successor as general-in-chief and headquartered in St. Louis. Eventually General Grant would succeed him and be made the second man in United States history to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General; only George Washington had held that rank before Grant.

This volume contains biographies of the 25 generals, varying in length depending on their importance and arranged in alphabetical order. Katcher provides quotes from primary sources - other generals, privates, and lesser officers. He also provides photographs and/or illustrations from the period. Richard Hook provides the full-color illustrations of these generals in the tradition of Osprey, which means bright, colorful, and clear.

Katcher and Hook also wrote and illustrated the other three volumes in the American Civil War Commanders series. Both have worked on other books published by Osprey, as well.

This book is recommended to Civil War enthusiasts who want a quick and colorfully illustrated collection of the top Union generals in the Western Theater. Academic and public libraries will want this volume as well.