Joseph A. Altsheler's (1862-1919) eight-volume Civil War Series alternates between the perspectives of two Kentucky-born cousins whose families selected opposing sides in the War: Henry Kenton (Confederate) and Dick Mason (Union). The Guns of Bull Run, published in 1914, covers the period from December 1860 through the Battle of Fort Sumter (12-14 April 1861) and the First Battle of Bull Run (21 July 1861). This battle was also known as First Manassas by Confederate forces. Harry Kenton, who chose the Confederate side, is the main character. illustrations for this edition are derived from...

The Guns of Shiloh, a complete story in itself, is the complement of The Guns of Bull Run. In The Guns of Bull Run the Civil War and its beginnings are seen through the eyes of Harry Kenton, who is on the Southern side. In The Guns of Shiloh the mighty struggle takes its color from the view of Dick Mason, who fights for the North and who is with Grant in his first great campaign. The Guns of Shiloh, published in 1913, covers the period from July 1861 through the battles of Mill Springs (19 Jan 1862), was known by the Confederate Army as the Battle of Fishing Creek; Fort Donelson (11-16 Feb...

The Scouts of Stonewall, published in 1914, covers the period March-July 1862, and includes the battles of Kernstown (23 March), Winchester (23 May), Cross Keys (8 June), Port Republic (9 Jun), and The Seven Days (25 June-1 July). Harry Kenton is again the main character.

The Star of Gettysburg, published in 1915, covers the period from October 1862 through July of 1863, including the battles of Fredericksburg (11-15 Dec 1862), Chancellorsville (30 Apr-6 May 1863), and Gettysburg (1-3 Jul 1863). In this volume, written from the Confederate point of view, Harry Kenton is the main character.

The Rock of Chickamauga, published in 1915, covers the period from April 1863 through the battles of Champion Hill (16 May). Vicksburg (19-20 Sep, and Chickamauga (19-20 Sep). Dick Mason, who fights on the Northern side, is the hero of this book, and his friends reappear also.

The Shades of the Wilderness, published in 1916, covers the period from July 1863 through June 1864, including the retreat from Gettysburg, a period of rest in Richmond, and the battles of the Wilderness (5-7 May 1864), Spotsylvania (8-21 May), and Cold Harbor (31 May - 12 June 1864). This volume is written from the perspective of Harry Kenton.

The Tree of Appomattox, published in 1916, covers the period from June 1864 through the end of the war April 1865 and its aftermath. The book focuses on the battles of Fisher's Hill (21-22 Sep), Cedar Creek (19 Oct) and Appomattox (9 Apr 1865). Dick Mason is the central character.