New Orleans SketchesIn 1925 William Faulkner began his professional writing career in earnest while living in the French Quarter of New Orleans. He had published a volume of poetry (The Marble Faun), had written a few book reviews, and had contributed sketches to the University of Mississippi student newspaper. He had served a stint in the Royal Canadian Air Corps and while working in a New Haven bookstore had become acquainted with the wife of the writer Sherwood Anderson.

Retief

Lee Moves North reveals how the general's penchant for secrecy about his plans—a prerequisite for the political battle he waged with his superiors in Richmond—undermined the Army of Northern Virginia. Keeping his true intentions hidden from President Jefferson Davis and Secretary of War James Seddon meant also keeping the plans secret from even the army's trusted corps commanders. As a result, inadequate support, poor or nonexistent staff work, and confusion about campaign objectives all contributed to failure.