Reelecting Lincoln: The Battle For The 1864 Presidency - Softcover

Waugh, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0306810220 ISBN 13: 9780306810220

Publisher: Da Capo Press, 2001

Synopsis

Here, from the author of the acclaimed book The Class of 1846, is the dramatic story of what may have been the most critical election campaign in American history. Taking place in the midst of the Civil War, the election of 1864 would determine the very future of the nation. Would the country be unified or permanently divided? Would slavery continue? Weaving rich anecdotal material into a fast-paced narrative, John C. Waugh places this pivotal election in its historical context while evoking its human drama. The men and women who figured in this epic campaign,most notably Lincoln himself,emerge with all their strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies. "It's an inherently dramatic story, and one that has been told before. But never quite so well as by John C. Waugh, [who] brings to his task the keen eye for detail and scene-setting that one would expect from a career reporter," said the Wall Street Journal. Drawing on an extensive array of sources, including published and unpublished reminiscences, memoirs, autobiographies, letters, newspapers, and periodicals, Waugh re-creates that fateful year with all the immediacy of a political reporter covering a national presidential election today.

About this title

Synopsis

First time in paperback: "Waugh's excellent account reminds me of Bruce Catton: both are marvelous storytellers."-Grady McWhiney, author of Grant, Lee, Lincoln, and the Radicals. Here, from the author of the acclaimed book The Class of 1846, is the dramatic story of what may have been the most critical election campaign in American history. Taking place in the midst of the Civil War, the election of 1864 would determine the very future of the nation. Would the country be unified or permanently divided? Would slavery continue? Weaving rich anecdotal material into a fast-paced narrative, John C. Waugh places this pivotal election in its historical context while evoking its human drama. The men and women who figured in this epic campaignmost notably Lincoln himselfemerge with all their strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies. "It's an inherently dramatic story, and one that has been told before. But never quite so well as by John C. Waugh, [who] brings to his task the keen eye for detail and scene-setting that one would expect from a career reporter," said the Wall Street Journal.

About the Author

John C. Waugh, a newspaper journalist turned historical reporter, was long a staff correspondent and bureau chief for the Christian Science Monitor. He lives in Texas.

About this edition

• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0306810220
• ISBN 13: 9780306810220
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480