Confederate General Thomas Jonathan Jackson was undoubtedly one of the most influential military commanders of the Civil War. Had he not met his death early in May, 1863, his influence could well have changed the course of the war. Frank E. Vandiver's detailed research and zestful writing style provide a vivid description of Stonewall's boyhood, West Point training, early career, years of teaching at the Virginia Military Institute, and Civil War campaigns. Here, too, are insights into Jackson's personal life and his deep religious feelings, which were so influential on his military thought and actions. Frank E. Vandiver, president of Texas A&M University until September, 1988, directs the Mosher Institute of Defense Studies at Texas A&M University. He is also author of Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing and Their Tattered Flags: The Epic of the Confederacy.