The New York City draft riots of 1863 erupted as a violent protest against the Union's conscription laws, fueled by social and racial tensions. The riots, which lasted for several days, saw working-class citizens, primarily Irish immigrants, clash with authorities and target symbols of federal power and African Americans. The underlying causes included resentment over the draft, which disproportionately affected the poor, coupled with existing racial prejudices and economic anxieties exacerbated by the Civil War.

The book offers a comprehensive historical account of the New York City draft riots, situating the event within the broader context of the Civil War and American social history. It is likely to be appreciated by scholars and students of American history for its detailed research and analytical approach. The work provides a thorough exploration of the complex factors, including class, ethnicity, and race, that contributed to the outbreak and nature of the riots.