A long long book but surprisingly gripping. Max Hastings is an excellent writer and I have read him several times before. This ranks with his very best. He pulls you into the situation gradually via the 'French Experience' and then develops things until the cavalry arrive in the form of the US States Of America.
He pulls off something that is difficult to do well - he personalises the history skilfully. Individuals appear in the progressive rollout in a seamless and gripping way - and they come from all sides and factions. He pulls no punches in his analysis of the conflict. This is no 'Plucky David and Nasty Goliath' story as often portrayed in books written on the subject. He hammers both sides relentlessly and deservedly for the horrendous excesses carried out. Politicians do not come out well on either side. The analysis behind their reasoning and decisions amazes you - the degree of brutality and disregard for human life is horrendous.
It held me to the end. It was an excellent book which, unfortunately, highlighted the darkest side of the human condition.