Even as the discovery and exploitation of hephestium helped bring the Civil War to its close in 1869, the arms race it engendered resulted in a cold war just as bitter and violent as open hostilities had been. With neither side willing to rely solely upon the talents of their scientific establishments, saboteurs, double agents, and assassins found ample employment. Against this backdrop of suspicion and fear, thousands of Americans--Northerners and Southerners alike--headed west. Some to escape the legacies of the war, some to find their own land, some for the lure of that great undiscovered strike of hephestium that would make them rich, and some simply to escape the law. Ahead of these pioneers stood the native tribes, behind them followed the forces of two governments, while to the north and south, foreign powers watched closely for their own opportunities.

This newly unearthed collection of the works of Miles Vandercroft fills a considerable gap in our knowledge of the travels of that remarkable individual, and also provides a fascinating guide to the costume and equipment of the forces active in the great drive westward.

Philip Smith, a lifelong history enthusiast, studied at Lincoln College, Oxford, and is an editor specializing in military history and tabletop wargaming. He lives in Oxford.

Joseph A. McCullough, the author of several books, including A Pocket History of Ireland and Osprey's Zombies: A Hunter's Guide, also co-wrote The Grey Mountains, a supplement for the Middle-Earth role-playing game. His fantasy short stories have appeared in publications such as Black Gate and Adventure Mystery Tales.