The discovery of Robert E. Lee’s Special Orders No. 191 outside of Frederick, Maryland, on September 13, 1862, is one of the most important and hotly disputed events of the American Civil War. For more than 150 years, historians have debated if George McClellan, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, dawdled after receiving a copy of the orders before warily advancing to challenge Lee’s forces atop South Mountain. In The Tale Untwisted, authors Gene Thorp and Alexander Rossino document in exhaustive fashion how “Little Mac” in fact moved with uncharacteristic energy to counter the Confederate threat and take advantage of Lee’s divided forces, seizing the initiative and striking a blow in the process that wrecked Lee’s plans and sent his army reeling back toward Virginia. This study is a beautifully woven tour de force of primary research that may well be the final word on the debate over the fate and impact of the Lost Orders on the history of the 1862 Maryland Campaign.

Wilkie Collins' Complete Short Stories is a collection of gripping tales that exemplify the Victorian era's fascination with mystery, suspense, and social commentary. With intricate plots and multi-dimensional characters, Collins' literary style captivates readers with its subtle intricacies and unexpected twists. Each story showcases Collins' mastery in creating suspense and intrigue, making it a must-read for fans of classic literature. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Charles Dickens, drew inspiration from his legal background and personal experiences to craft his stories. His unique perspective on societal issues and psychological depth is evident throughout his works, adding layers of complexity to his narratives. I highly recommend Wilkie Collins' Complete Short Stories to anyone interested in Victorian literature, mystery, or psychological thrillers. This collection is a testament to Collins' storytelling prowess and will undoubtedly leave readers captivated from the first page to the last.

The Wonderful Land of Bed-Time Stories is an anthology that weaves together a rich tapestry of tales from a bevy of illustrious authors, embracing a wide array of literary styles from fairy tales to animal stories, and classic children's literature. With contributions from the minds behind Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Importance of Being Earnest, Treasure Island, and many more, this collection stands as a testament to the diversity and significance of storytelling across generations and cultures. Highlighted within are narratives that have shaped the contours of childhood imagination, each story a gem contributing to the overarching themes of adventure, morality, and the nuances of human (and animal) emotion. The remarkable variety within this compendium ensures the presence of a magical story for every reader. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from Lewis Carroll to Hans Christian Andersen, and including figures like Beatrix Potter and Rudyard Kipling, offer an anthology that spans the breadth of the 19th and early 20th centuries, encapsulating pivotal moments in literature. These writers, many of whom were pioneers in their respective genres, collectively represent a historical and cultural mosaic that enriched the literary landscape of their time. Their backgrounds, from varying corners of the world, provide a multifaceted exploration of societal norms, triumphs, and struggles through the lens of fantastical and heartwarming tales. The Wonderful Land of Bed-Time Stories is an indispensable collection for those who wish to delve into the world of literature that has charmed and educated generations. It offers readers the unique opportunity to traverse the myriad landscapes fashioned by these master storytellers. This anthology is more than a journey through the annals of literary history; it is a voyage that spans the spectrum of human emotion and the complexities of the world through the simplicity of children's stories. Ideal for scholars, educators, and anyone with a keen interest in the evolution of story-telling, this book illuminates the power of literature to transcend time, teaching timeless morals and showcasing the art of narrative in its most enchanting forms.