Leech, an American novelist, biographer, and historian, was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for History with this classic work in Civil War studies, first published in 1941. She captures five pivotal years in the history of the nation's capitol, profiling heroes, rogues, villains, and spies as the city transitioned from an unpaved country town to a modern city. The portrait of the city includes profiles of key figures such as the Lincoln family, Civil War generals, businessman Andrew Carnegie, and Civil War photographer Matthew Brady. A few b&w maps are included. The 2001 reprint is cited in Resources for College Libraries (which RCL classes E565). Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
