Some while ago, an American friend asked me how close Great Britain came to recognising the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Look as hard as I could, I found only scant coverage in the more recent histories of the time. Then I discovered this book. It is very detailed yet thoroughly readable, extensively researched including copious footnotes and, to my mind at least, seems to be the last word on this subject. I shall not attempt to answer my friend's question here, simply suggest that if you are interested in the answer, then you must read this book.