The author has used a score of first-rate novels, several dozen good yarns, and several hundred samples from the nation's sub-literature to demonstrate the uses of the historical novel and to reveal the changing meaning of the Civil War to the American public. The result is an important contribution to the history of ideas in the United States. Originally published in 1957. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.