1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History Book

This is an extraordinary book. The author does a superb job balancing Lincoln's day to day activities, the politics and elections of 1864, the ups and down of the Civil War and the multitude of personalities involved, all the while providing enough historical detail to put this momentous year in U.S. history in context and perspective. Not a simple task but again, the author succeeds in doing so brilliantly with this fascinating and engaging book.

If you're wondering if you really need one more Lincoln book on your bookshelf - you do. Make room for this one. The author may not provide anything "new" but he does provide a level of depth and detail that's missing in the books I've read on Lincoln, the Civil War and 1864. For instance this book brings more light to the 1864 Democratic Convention and the selection of ex-General George McClellan as the party's candidate as well as the related story of Clement Vallandigham, the peace at any price - meaning dissolution of the union - Democrat. There's also a very good narrative of Jubal Early's attempt to attack Washington, D.C., Chase's attempt to gain the Republican Presidential nomination and the desperation that gripped Lincoln during the summer of 1864.

And my favorite little anecdote, that of Henry Wing, injured veteran turned reporter who visited Grant during the Wilderness battles. After receiving stock answers to his questions from the general and his staff, Wing made ready to depart without much of a story. Grant followed Wing outside his tent and confirmed that Wing would be seeing Lincoln. As only Grant could he summed up the situation - "Tell the President," he said, "There will be no turning back." In six words Grant had redefined the war as well as validating Lincoln's decision of putting him in charge of the Union Army.

Highly recommended.