The Guns of Bull Run: A Story of the Civil War's Eve

Joseph Alexander Altsheler (1862 – 1919) was a famous and favorite childhood American author.  Being a newspaper reporter, editor and author of popular juvenile historical fictions also was known for his short stories and non-fiction items. His six series comprise a total of thirty novels, each containing an independent story. The distinguishing feature of his stories and novels is a presence of marvelous adventure storylines and unexpected twists.

Guns of Bull Run by Altsheler, the first in a seven-volume Civil War series, sets the stage for a truly excellent description of this terrible conflict, virtually battle-by-battle. Main characters, two cousins appear on opposites sites of this conflict describing it through their eyes. Having different views and interests they are engaged into this war by means of common ideas. In this scenario, Harry Kenton fights on the side of the Confederates, while Dick Mason fights with the Northern armies. This book and its real story is an excellent example of human disaster caused by civil war.