This fascinating book discusses the role of the United Kingdom during the American Civil War. Officially, the UK stayed neutral throughout the war. They also legally recognised the belligerent status of the Confederate States of America (CSA), though never recognising it as a nation. Neither did the UK sign a treaty with it nor ever exchanged ambassadors. Over 90 percent of Confederate trade with Britain ended, causing a severe shortage of cotton. Private British blockade runners sent munitions and luxuries to Confederate ports in return for cotton and tobacco. Public opinion was divided over the war, with support for the Confederacy tending to emanate from the upper class while the middle and lower classes mostly favored the Union.