The Largest Prison Breakout in U.S. History

One of the best-known prison escapes of the Civil War involved 109 Union officers that tunneled out of Richmond’s Libby Prison on a cold winter’s night in 1864.

About half left behind firsthand accounts of the dramatic events that ended with a trek of some 40 miles to safety. These primary sources have never been collected and presented in a single cohesive volume—until now. The Greatest Escape: A True American Civil War Adventure relies on these personal accounts to tell a story of determination, courage and humanity.

Author Douglas Miller spins a narrative that seamlessly weaves together the officers’ own words. Miller, a writer, filmmaker and photographer, has written, produced and edited programs for The History Channel and the Independent Film Channel.

The Great Escape has benefitted from Miller’s professional expertise. Each of the 17 chapters reads like an episode in a miniseries. Along the way, the reader meets participants, including the masterminds of the escape, Rebels, spies and enslaved people.

The book is illustrated mostly with period engravings. Three officer portraits are featured. The majority of officers are not visually represented.

Pick up a copy of The Greatest Escape. It is an excellent read.

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