North and South — John Jakes

THE MAINS-Carolina plantation owners, they proudly defended their leisurely, aristocratic way of life.

THE HAZARDS -- Pennsylvania industrialists descended from an English fugitive, they lived in the thrilling world of invention and commerce.

Their sons met at West Point and formed the friendship that linked their families forever -- North and South. Their story sweeps from the Hudson valley to the Carolina coast, from harsh Texas frontiers to the embattled hills of Mexico, from Pittsburgh ironworks to lavish Newport homes, from New York, Washington, and New Orleans to a little town called Harpers Ferry -- and from there to Fort Sumter. Theirs is an unforgettable drama rich in adventure, love, lust, tragedy, ambition, sacrifice, greed, and courage. It is an American epic.... John Jakes at his storytelling best!