Charles Fitzhenry wanted to be a hero, and left his home in New South Wales to fight for freedom in the American Civil War - on the side of the South. Gentlemen like Charles fought for the ideals of their class, for honour and glory. But it was not a war of honour. It was simply endless battles, starvation and hardship in an increasingly bitter war. Was Charles a hero, even if the war he went to fight was not the one he found? Based on a true story, A War for Gentlemen follows Charles Fitzhenry to battle; to his escape with Caroline, his uncle?slave, and their new life together; and the echoes of the war in the lives of their children and grandchildren. It is an unforgettable story of love and betrayal, unexpected happiness, and the terrible consequences of ideals - a story that still echoes in the wars Australians fight today.