MacKinlay Kantor gives us vivid pictures of the two generals and leads us, step by step, to the McLean house at Appommatox where Lee surrendered to Grant. They were no ordinary men, these two, yet they had habits of mind and action that make them seem very much like the people around us. Though this is an account of defeat and victory, animals play an important part in it, too. In the days when jeeps were unknown a good horse was a neccessary part of a general's equipment. But who could love a jeep as General Lee loved his Traveller, a hourse as proud and gray as the man who rode him? No less valiant was General Grant's Cincinnati - a stout-hearted animal, worthy of a great master. Readers everwhere will be stireed by this brillant portrayal of two American heroes who loved the causes for which they fought, but who loved peace and the welfare of their people still more. (dust jacket)