What are you reading now?

[RJNorton]

Toia, I was able to get the full review this way: first go to the Spirits of Tudor Hall page here. Then go to the March 27 postings, and click on the link for the review. At least for me, that brought up the full review.

[LincolnToddFan]

Perfect. Thanks Roger!

[Gencor]

(08-26-2014 05:45 PM)LincolnToddFan Wrote:  I agree with Gene. I believe the lingering trauma of the assassination attempt, combined with the deaths of his wife and his beloved Fanny kind of took the spark out of Seward.

I need to hunt down the source of a statement I once read that he made where he said he should have died with Lincoln, because his work had basically been done at that point.

This is it, LTF. After the death of Lincoln and the death of his wife, Seward lost touch with the moving times. There was rapid political changes taking place, positioning in politics, changing issues brought about by reconstruction and a new set of players in the field, all moving very quickly. The most seasoned players were running to stay in step, just to keep up. Positions and players, all over the country, we're changing and for Seward and others like him, it was becoming complicated. I always got the impression, from what I have read about this complex man, that after President Lincoln died and he lost his wife, he had fallen behind and then just couldn't find a place to relate a return. Especially, not in the same kind of position of power. I also found that Seward was not the only political casualty after the death of President Lincoln. I still believe that in this moment in our American history, each prominent player was where they were destined to be for what they had to do and Seward certainly had his part to play. What each of them had to do ended the night they killed Lincoln.

[LincolnToddFan]

Very thoughtful and beautifully worded Gencor. I see it that way as well. As terrible as it sounds I think that might even apply to Abraham Lincoln too.

He was indisputably an extraordinary man under any circumstances. But would he be remembered today as such an icon, as the gold standard of the American presidency if he had lived to navigate the racial and political minefield that was Reconstruction?

[GARY POPOLO]

Sorry if I missed someone else listing the same book, but I am now reading Catherine Clinton's Mrs. Lincoln A life. So far it is a very interesting book. I have only read about a quarter of the book but have already learned some interesting things about both Lincoln and Mary I did not know. I would be interested in what other people thought of this book. Thanks

[RJNorton]

I enjoyed the book, Gary. The larger print was easy on the eyes. One thing that was a little confusing to me was the way the author organized her endnotes. I think I prefer the more traditional numbered footnotes/endnotes. Jean Baker's biography is still my personal favorite.

[Eva Elisabeth]

If I had to decide on one book, I would certainly choose J. Baker's, it's the most "complete" one. But like Gary said, there's still info in Clinton's book that is not in Baker's.

[Thomas Kearney]

(03-26-2015 04:07 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Especially THIS brand.....

My favorite!

[L Verge]

(04-10-2015 11:15 AM)Thomas Kearney Wrote:  

(03-26-2015 04:07 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Especially THIS brand.....

My favorite!

Read the history behind the phrase, "Don't Drink the Kool-Aid," and it won't be your favorite anymore...

[Gencor]

(04-09-2015 03:22 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  I enjoyed the book, Gary. The larger print was easy on the eyes. One thing that was a little confusing to me was the way the author organized her endnotes. I think I prefer the more traditional numbered footnotes/endnotes. Jean Baker's biography is still my personal favorite.

I have to agree with you, RJ. I also thought that some of the history of how she explained Kate Chase was not as accurate as I had hoped. Jean Baker, I believe was much more enjoyable to me. I felt it was much more accurate and beautifully written.

---

(04-08-2015 07:46 PM)LincolnToddFan Wrote:  Very thoughtful and beautifully worded Gencor. I see it that way as well. As terrible as it sounds I think that might even apply to Abraham Lincoln too.

He was indisputably an extraordinary man under any circumstances. But would he be remembered today as such an icon, as the gold standard of the American presidency if he had lived to navigate the racial and political minefield that was Reconstruction?

I have often wondered the same thing myself, LTF. In fact, I have thought about the popularity of the military leaders that followed after Lincoln. McKinley, Garfield, Grant. These men were giants in the military but I have to wonder if they had a clue how complicated their jobs would be when it came to cleaning up the states and the nation after the war. The issues were moving on with rapid speed. It suddenly became about labor, the Railroads, industry, miners, business everywhere. The racial issues were just the beginning. Even the leaders of congress and the Senate found themselves in territory very different from when Lincoln was president.

It's a fascinating subject, LTF.

[Gene C]

Just finished "A Blaze of Glory" by Jeff Shaara. A novel about the battle of Shiloh.
http://www.amazon.com/Blaze-Glory-Novel-...1431600869

I was looking for a book that wasn't to technical regarding the battle, and would give me some general knowledge regarding what happened. The actual battle had about 110,000 men involved with casualties (killed, wounded, missing or captured) of over 23,000. After reading this, I have a strong desire to visit the battlefield
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/shi...?tab=facts

(I don't know why, but prices fluctuate a lot on books) I bought mine new for $2.75 back in Feb. on Amazon, but now it's a bit more expensive.

[STS Lincolnite]

(05-14-2015 06:03 AM)Gene C Wrote:  After reading this, I have a strong desire to visit the battlefield

If you get a chance, I would definitely recommend going. It is a battlefield that has very little if any urban encroachment. I visited there on the 150th and would like to go back again.

[Rogerm]

I have just started to read "Lincoln's Autocrat:The Life of Edwin Stanton" by William Marvel. So far, I would say that it is not a very favorable depiction of Lincoln's Secretary of War. He comes across as having been very egotistical and selfish. Apparently, he tried to impress politicians to win their approval in order to further his career.

[HerbS]

That fits my view of Stanton to a TEE!

[davg2000]

I am re-reading "American Brutus," and then I am planning on "Fortune's Fool." "American Brutus" is better the second time. That is some book.