The story has been told many times before; "Ashes of Glory" contains no big surprises for anyone even slightly acquainted with the history of the rebel South, but I think most readers will meet details that are new to them and that improve understanding.

Ashes from incinerated garbage contain significant amounts of lead, cadmium, dioxin and other toxic substances that can threaten health and the environment, according to a report prepared for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Blue Ash incorporated, first as a village in 1955, then as a city in 1961, to take control of zoning matters and contain the airfield.

Knotty Ash contains the special needs secondary school Clifford Holroyde and a primary school, Knotty Ash CP.

Ash and dust clouds thrown into the atmosphere by fires and storms usually contain a mixture of particles with a wide range of sizes, with most smaller than 1 micrometre, and they tend to scatter blue light.

Ash from the current Eyjafjallajökull eruption contains one third the concentration typical in Hekla eruptions, with a mean value of 104 milligrams of fluoride per kilogram of ash.

Ash contains trace metals that, while in low concentration, provide nutrients to microorganisms that live in the water column.

Ashes contained in cinerary urns and other monumental vessels were placed in tombs.

Ash produced by combustion can contain unhealthy levels of heavy metals and other pollutants, but when deposited properly in a lined landfill they pose little danger.

Ash contains autobiographical elements of Fuller's life, and as part of research, she and Jack Shepherd visited Southend Crematorium in early 2008.