The Demon of Unrest

Another great book from Erik Larson, this time on a period of particular interest to me--the runup to the Civil War. The author vividly brings to life the highly charged atmosphere that led to the great conflict and the issues and personalities that drove it. Highly recommended for Civil War and history buffs in general.

The Civil War is something every American studied in school, so most of us know at least some general details. But "The Demon of Unrest" explores in great detail the war's beginning and the events that led to the first cannons fired at Fort Sumter, along with the personalities involved who were determining America's future. The book brings reminders of how a small change in just one or two events can alter history in extraordinary ways. For anyone who enjoys history, Erik Larson lays out a riveting tale stocked with many more details than your high school history teacher could… show more.

A gripping account of the uncertain and chaotic months between Abraham Lincoln's election and the South's shelling of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Relevant and engaging.

I am in awe of Erik Larson, a writer of such carefully researched histories that he will not report that a person smiled unless the expression is documented in multiple sources.

This story of the attack on Fort Sumter reads like a novel, as it describes the people and events that led to the start of the Civil War. I found myself moving quickly through the multiple short chapters, anxious to understand the many forces that led to the division of our nation.