John Chandler Griffin's history of the Confederacy contains a multitude of fascinating tidbits of information.

The first section covers the period between when the Southern states began to secede and the firing on Fort Sumter. Photos of those who became the leaders of the Confederate government and posters urging secession - and possible flags for the new nation – bring the beginnings of the Confederacy to life.

Griffin presents the top six generals of the Confederacy in detail and some of the lesser-ranked generals, who were famous or who held high rank but were not as famous as their peers, more broadly with a short biography and a portrait. The third section is on the troops and includes images of individuals and groups of soldiers. Griffin also notes here some of the spies for the Confederacy, many of whom were women, segueing into a summary of many Civil War battles, including maps. A section covering the flags of the Confederacy follows - their history, and images of those involved in creating them.

Appropriately enough, the closing chapter chronicles the end of the war. Griffin provides illustrations of the surrender at Appomattox Court House, the execution of those involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the funeral of Jefferson Davis, and other images from the end of the Confederacy.

Dr. John Chandler Griffin is a professor emeritus with the University of South Carolina. He is the author of Abraham Lincoln’s Execution (2006), Biography of American Author Jean Toomer, 1894-1967 (2002), Alabama vs. Auburn (2001), The History of the Confederate Flag (1997) and other books and articles.

A Pictorial History of the Confederacy features many black and white photos and illustrations throughout, along with several maps, especially of battlefields, that are well done and easy to read. Then an index follows. The book could have used some color illustrations, but many of the photographs are only available in black and white. This excellent succinct history of the Confederacy is recommended to Civil War enthusiasts.