Definitive Sources

[L Verge]

(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.

I agree, Joe, and I regret having failed to mention it previously. Bill brings a lifetime of critical thinking and research to his writings - some of which are guaranteed to ruffle tail feathers - but, as Joe says above, Bill is so well-versed in total 19th-century society, culture, and politics that he can analyze things from a variety of angles without the modern slant that some current authors give their work.

As for how many books have been published over the years: Well over a decade ago, Blaine Houmes of this forum produced a wonderful compendium of books, articles, pamphlets, etc. that had been written up to that time. We sold it in the Surratt House gift shop until it became outdated. It was very extensive at that time, so we can only imagine that it might have doubled in size since then.