The Red Badge of Courageis one of the finest works of American literature ever produced. It offers a portrait of the Civil War told with unflinching realism and remarkable psychological depth. Crane was largely unknown before its publication. His first novel, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, had sold poorly, and Crane was essentially living in destitution while he worked on Red Badge. Crane was not born until six years after the Civil War was over,...

Once too often in the War Between the States, Great Britain's support for the Confederacy takes it to the brink of war with the Union. The escape of a British-built Confederate ironclad finally ignites the heap of combustible animosities and national interests. When the U.S. Navy seizes it in British waters, the ensuing battle spirals into all-out war. Napoleon III eagerly joins the British and declares war on the United States. Meanwhile, treason...