A new perspective on the central role of the railroads and slavery in the coming, fighting, and aftermath of the Civil War. "A remarkably nuanced and brilliant interpretation of railroads and the Civil War. . . . Truly path-breaking."--Vernon Burton, author of The Age of Lincoln "Offers a series of bracing insights about the origins, shape and outcome of the Civil War. . . . Because it integrates military and social history so imaginatively, The Iron...