Bk. 1: Line in the sand. Corpus Christi ; Rio Grande ; Rough and ready ; Fields of fire ; Call to battle ; Fort Texas ; Clash ; Resaca de la Palma ; Brown Bess ; Volunteers ; Growing up

Bk. 2: Taylor's war. Camargo ; Star-Spangled Banner ; Eager for action ; First Mississippi ; The Westerner ; The rifles ; Supply train ; Prelude ; Monterrey, Day one ; Monterrey, Day two ; The mortar

Bk. 3: Politics and war. Change of command ; The perils of occupation ; Policy and power

Bk. 4: Scott's war. Transfers ; The artillery officer ; One step closer ; California ; Taylor stands alone ; The hacienda ; Lobos Island ; Invasion ; National Road ; Twigg's dilemma ; Reconnaissance ; Pressing the advantage

Bk. 5: The Aztec club. "Nothing can stop this army" ; Old Glory ; Conquest ; Fourth of July.