A collection of eight essays which examine the different aspects of this battle which lead to Lee's surrender and the end of the Civil War.

Great expectations: Ulysses S. Grant, the northern press, and the opening of the Wilderness Campaign /Brooks D. Simpson -- Our hearts are full of hope: the Army of Northern Virginina in the spring of 1864 / Gary W. Gallagher -- I dread the spring: the Army of the Potomac prepares for the Overland Campaign / John J. Hennessy -- Union cavalry in the Wilderness: the education of Philip H. Sheridan and James H. Wilson / Gordon C. Rhea -- Escaping the shadow of Gettysburg: Richard S. Ewell and Ambrose Powell Hill at the Wilderness / Peter S. Carmichael -- "Lee to the rear," the Texans cried / Robert K. Krick -- Other Grant: Lewis A. Grant and the Vermont Brigade in the Battle of the Wilderness / Carol Reardon -- Like a duck on a June bug: James Longstreet's flank attack, May 6, 1864 / Robert E.L. Krick.