Gate of Hell

"Understand the intricacies of the fierce, bloody siege of Fort Sumter and Charleston, South Carolina, by Union forces in 1863, and the fundamentals of the Civil War become clear. A historian, teacher and author, Wise paints a dramatic picture of gruesome, dreary trench warfare; ironclad ships; petty squabbles between commanders; and the heroism of many... Wise captures it all, from the taste of battle to the pounds of shot fired per skirmish."—Library Journal

"The Charleston campaign of 1863 is currently best known for the role in it of the 54th Massachusetts in vindicating the effectiveness of African American soldiers, as was delineated in the movie Glory. There was, however, much hard fighting before the 54th's assault on Battery Wagner, and there was even more afterward, with heavy losses on both sides and eventual Union failure, due as much to Union interservice rivalries as to Confederate tenacity. Among other features of the siege were the largest naval operations of the war, technologically advanced use of artillery, and trench warfare anticipating World War I. It is a compelling story that Wise handles with high competence, clarity, and scholarly thoroughness."—Booklist

"Demonstrating a careful attention to the realities of battle, Wise has written a lively and authoritative text on this fascinating but little-known campaign."—New York Times Book Review

"A valuable contribution to Civil War historiography."—American Historical Review

"A study of an often-neglected campaign that will be the standard account for a long time to come."—The Journal of American History