"Professor Symonds calls this highly informed, finely written memoir a 'most important book in Civil War literature.' It is , and it has not been available most of this century. Jefferson Davis's austere, aloof, and perplexing public demeanor offered few clues as to what kind of man he really was. Varina Davis's perceptive narrative offers unique insight into all aspects of her husband's life. Volume I is concerned with his formative public career from birth through army and congressional service, while the second volume tells the story of the Civil War as Jefferson Davis and his family saw it."--Back Cover.