Definitive Sources

[Rick Smith]

(02-25-2017 08:48 PM)J. Beckert Wrote:  A must read, in my opinion, is Bill Richter's "Sic Semper Tyrannis - Why John Wilkes Booth Shot Abraham Lincoln". Aptly titled, Bill's book explains exactly why Booth shot Lincoln. It banishes the common and threadbare beliefs that Booth was crazy, a drunkard, failed actor, etc. It delves into the political beliefs of both men (you may be surprised at Lincoln's), which is a good way to get a handle on both of their thinking. It also does so through the lens of their times, which some modern authors can't do without injecting their own modern political leanings.

An excellent assessment, Joe. Although Bill is a master of writing documented histories, he has also written several works of historic "fiction," most notably, The Last Confederate Heroes, a two volume set which minutely details the events surrounding the Lincoln assassination and those who took part in them. Also included are a massive amount of citations; chapter notes and references which support, expand and illuminate the work. Other works which Bill has authored include; The Last Shot, The Assassinator, Confederate Freedom Fighter, and In The Shadows of The Lincoln Assassination.