Synopses & Reviews
"The Civil War's master historical detective" reveals how Lincoln blundered into war.
Stephen Sears has called William Marvel "the Civil War's master historical detective," and in this groundbreaking book Marvel investigates the mystery of how the war began, reconsidering the big question: Was it inevitable? He vividly recreates President Lincoln's first year in office, from his inauguration through the rising crisis of secession and the first several months of the war. Drawing on original sources and examining previously overlooked factors, Marvel leads the reader inexorably to the conclusion that Lincoln not only missed opportunities to avoid war but actually fanned the flames--and often acted unconstitutionally in prosecuting the war once it had begun. The story unfolds with Marvel's keen eye for the telling detail, on the battlefield as well as in the White House.
This is revisionist history at its best, as Marvel recreates the true story of our nation's greatest crisis--not sparing anyone, even Abraham Lincoln.
Review
"In William Marvel's forceful narrative, the first year of the Civil War unfolds at a vivid, relentless pace." --Nelson D. Lankford, author of Richmond Burning: The Last Days of the Confederate Capital
"Provocative...Thorough research, pointed analysis, and deft prose have become the hallmarks of Bill Marvels work." --George C. Rable, Charles Summersell Chair in Southern History, University of Alabama. Author of Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!, winner of the Lincoln Prize
"Mr. Lincoln Goes to War is the most provocative account of events in 1861 in a generation." --A. Wilson Greene, Executive Director of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, and author of Breaking the Backbone of the Rebellion: The Final Battles of the Petersburg Campaign
"William Marvel lives up to his unparalleled reputation as Civil War historys leading provocateur...in prose that burns with passion." --Peter S. Carmichael, author of The Last Generation: Young Virginians in Peace, War, and Reunion and Associate Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
"A fascinating exploration of an enormously complex and important year in our nation's history." --Gary W. Gallagher, John L. Nau III Professor of History, University of Virginia
Synopsis
This groundbreaking work of history investigates the mystery of how the Civil War began, reconsidering the big question: Was it inevitable? William Marvel vividly depicts President Lincoln's tumultuous first year in office, from his inauguration through the rising crisis of secession and the first several months of the war. Drawing on original sources, Marvel suggests that Lincoln not only missed opportunities to avoid conflict with the South but actually fanned the flames of war. Then he wittingly violated the Constitution in his effort to preserve the Union.
With a keen eye for the telling detail -- on the battlefield as well as in the White House -- William Marvel delivers a satisfying revisionist history of Lincoln and the early days of the Civil War.
Synopsis
Marvel vividly recreates President Lincoln's first year in office, drawing the conclusion that Lincoln actually fanned the flames of war and often acted unconstitutionally in prosecuting the war once it had begun.
Synopsis
This groundbreaking work of history investigates the mystery of how the Civil War began, reconsidering the big question: Was it inevitable? William Marvel vividly depicts President Lincoln's tumultuous first year in office, from his inauguration through the rising crisis of secession and the first several months of the war. Drawing on original sources, Marvel suggests that Lincoln not only missed opportunities to avoid conflict with the South but actually fanned the flames of war. Then he wittingly violated the Constitution in his effort to preserve the Union.
With a keen eye for the telling detail -- on the battlefield as well as in the White House -- William Marvel delivers a satisfying revisionist history of Lincoln and the early days of the Civil War.
About the Author
WILLIAM MARVELand#8217;s many acclaimed books on the Civil War include
The Great Task Remaining,
Lincoln's Darkest Year,
Mr. Lincoln Goes to War, and
Andersonville. He has won a Lincoln Prize, the Douglas Southall Freeman Award, and the Bell Award.
Table of Contents
Contents
List of Illustrations and Maps ix Preface xiii
Part I WE CANNOT SEPARATE 1. Songs for a Prelude 3 2. Flags in Mottoed Pageantry 36 3. The Banner at Daybreak 63
Part II AND NOW THE STORM-BLAST CAME 4. Behold the Silvery River 93 5. Where Ignorant Armies Clash 120 6. The Crimson Corse of Lyon 155
Part III THE ERA OF SUSPICION 7. The Despots Heel 185 8. By Cliffs Potomac Cleft 216 9. Shovel Them Under and Let Me Work 247
Epilogue 281 Appendix 1: Orders of Battle 289 Appendix 2: Biographical Sketches 292 Notes 304 Bibliography 340 Acknowledgments 363 Index 368