The Horrid Pit: The Battle of the Crater, the Civil War’s Cruelest Mission by Alan Axelrod focuses on the Union’s attempt to breach Confederate lines near Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864, known as the Battle of the Crater. The Union’s plan involved digging a massive mine beneath Confederate lines and detonating it, followed by a rapid infantry charge. However, the plan was flawed and poorly executed. The explosion created a massive crater, but the Union troops were disorganized and easily repulsed by the Confederate defenders.

Axelrod’s book delves into the planning, execution, and aftermath of the battle, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers involved. It also explores the strategic implications of the battle and its impact on the overall course of the Civil War. The book provides a vivid and often gruesome portrayal of the horrors of war, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and Civil War buffs.

Print: First Carroll & Graf Edition 2007

Condition: Good

ISBN: 978-0-78671-811-5