Joseph A. Altsheler wrote several volumes of fiction that cover the service of Confederate soldier Harry Kenton and his friends as they take part in various battles of the Civil War. Altsheler's books have been historically popular amoung young readers and adults alike.  This volume covers the battle of Shiloh, the first major battle in the Western theater and the biggest battle in American history up to that point in time. The climactic battle saw Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces stave off disaster on the first day and push back the Confederates for a victory on the second day in April 1862.