Debunking the myth that the Civil War was a war for racial justice, his book explores the myriad aspects behind the question of the legality of Southern secession. By examining Supreme Court rulings, the author demonstrates not only that the Southern states were well within their rights to withdraw from the Union in 1860-61, but also that secession is still legal today.

“With a consummate knowledge of history and of legal principles, Dr. Emison has added new dimensions of sophisticated argument to the growing anti-Lincoln case. No honest student of American history can avoid coming to terms with this work.”
—Clyde N. Wilson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History, University of South Carolina

“Two myths have hidden from public consciousness the sheer moral enormity of Lincoln’s invasion, namely that the war was a holy crusade to abolish slavery and secession was unconstitutional and hence treason. Dr. Emison makes a convincing case that both are false and calls for Americans to ‘grow up’ and honestly confront their history.”
—Donald W. Livingston, professor of philosophy, Emory University