Mr. Lincoln Goes to War

About this book

"The Civil Wars master historical detective" reveals how Lincoln blundered into war. Stephen Sears has called William Marvel "the Civil Wars 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 Lincolns 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 Marvels 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 nations greatest crisis--not sparing anyone even Abraham Lincoln.