Through the night old Pleasant McIvor tells his next of kin the story of vengeance and violence that motivated his life. His father's murder by a band of lawless men sets in motion the wheels of revenge and young Pleasant and his relatives secretly carry out the retribution they plan for those involved in the murder. The Civil War serves as a shield for more revenge -- and after Pleasant is wounded at Shiloh, he deserts to continue his search. Violence and vengeance in a pioneering story of the south, which has its high point in a panoramic picture of the Southern troops before the Battle of Shiloh. For readers who enjoy lusty novels with war backgrounds. Good Americana.