Play Book Tag discussion

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson - 4* - My Review

Detailed account of the lead-up to the American Civil War, starting with the election of Abraham Lincoln to his first term and ending with the fall of Fort Sumpter. The proceedings at Fort Sumter form the basis of the account but it is sprinkled with many auxiliary snippets of Lincoln, southern planters, and female diarists such as Mary Chestnut, who provide background that reflects daily life at the time. I found it interesting that the (rather incompetent) President James Buchanan, Lincoln’s immediate predecessor, could not wait to get away from the White House. He appeared woefully unprepared to deal with the crisis. Other key figures include secessionist Edmund Ruffin, and the Fort Sumpter military leaders, Major Robert Anderson and his second-in-command Captain Abner Doubleday. The research is based on primary sources and is thoroughly referenced. I always enjoy Erik Larson’s books – they have a beginning, middle, and end, and follow a narrative arc that brings history to life in a way that captures the reader’s attention. It is well worth reading.

“For all of the South’s efforts to blame the crisis on northern tyranny…the crux of the crisis was, in fact, slavery. This was obvious to all at the time, if not to members of a certain school of 20th century historiography, who sought to cast the conflict in the bloodless terms of states’ rights.”

PBT BWF Extra D - fits letter not tag

So looking forward to this one-I am # 4 on the wait list though, so I have a bit a of wait.

I've also been eyeing that.

Erik Larson has such a great way of making history into an interesting story.

Joy D wrote: "Erik Larson has such a great way of making history into an interesting story."

I know! I was surprised that he wasn't once a history teacher. If I had someone like him for my college classes, I would have enjoyed history much more.

I have a long wait, 135th in line with 6 copies, but I am looking forward to this. I really enjoy Lawson and it fits in nicely with the Presidential Biographies several of us are reading.

Thank-you for your review.

I've only read one book by this author (the one about the World Fair) which I liked more than I thought I would, given that I actually had no interest in the World Fair when I read it (I read it for the bits about H.H. Holmes). I liked it enough that I put this on my to read, since I've heard good things, so I'm glad that you enjoyed your read!

Flo, if you enjoyed The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America, you might also enjoy Thunderstruck.

Jason wrote: "I have a long wait, 135th in line with 6 copies, but I am looking forward to this. I really enjoy Lawson and it fits in nicely with the Presidential Biographies several of us are reading.

Thank-y..."
My pleasure! This one covers a good bit about Buchanan and Lincoln, not the major focus of course.

John wrote: "I know! I was surprised that he wasn't once a history teacher. If I had someone like him for my college classes, I would have enjoyed history much more..."
I agree. He would have made a great history teacher!

Erik Larson is one of my favorite non fiction authors. I am planning to get this with one of my audible credits when I have the time to enjoy it. Great review!

Joy D wrote: "Flo, if you enjoyed The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America, you might also enjoy Thunderstruck."

Ooh that actually sounds super interesting, adding to my to read list now, thanks!