Was Champ Ferguson a loyal Confederate guerilla acting from Old Testament morality, or was he an opportunistic criminal who joined the war to save himself from persecution for previous crimes? During the Civil War, Ferguson killed over 40 men, including sick men in their beds and unarmed minors, and was hunted even by his own brother. Although he died on the gallows in October 1865, he remained a folk hero, inspiring numerous authors and filmmakers. Drawing on primary sources held at archives in the South, McKnight (history, U. of Virginia's College at Wise) presents Ferguson as a product of his place and time, especially of the high degree of war paranoia in the battered Appalachian region, and examines the federal government's motivations for trying and executing Ferguson. The book is illustrated with b&w historical photos and maps. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)