New Book on John Surratt

[L Verge]

Author Michael Schein spent about a year commuting to Maryland and D.C. from the State of Washington while researching his book on John Surratt, Jr. See this link. http://www.historynewsnetwork.org/articl...h.BC03U4P7

[BettyO]

Looks good; is this new, Laurie? I went onto Amazon and it doesn't appear to be available -

[L Verge]

The last I heard, it was due out this spring. If every book that has been promised to be published this spring really does make it out, we are all going to be broke!

[Gene C]

Michael Schein's new book about John Surratt is available now

http://www.amazon.com/John-Surratt-Linco...ael+schein

[L Verge]

Just received my copy today. More will be revealed...

[L Verge]

In glancing through this new Surratt book, I think you are going to like it -- especially because the writing style is more comfortable than a previous version.

Also received word from Caleb Stephens today that he has a new book out with general information on the Lincoln assassination, Booth's escape, etc. designed for ages 8-18 (grades 5-12). Check out The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: An Illustrated Account of America's First Murdered President.

[RJNorton]

(04-30-2015 02:31 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Also received word from Caleb Stephens today that he has a new book out with general information on the Lincoln assassination, Booth's escape, etc. designed for ages 8-18 (grades 5-12). Check out The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: An Illustrated Account of America's First Murdered President.

I have this book, Laurie, and it's an excellent read, especially for students or adults who are not looking for all the details contained in some of the other excellent assassination books we have discussed on the forum. It is full of illustrations and fun little facts. I enjoyed the book very much. Kudos, Caleb!

[BettyO]

Just reserved my copy at B&N -

I'll have to look for Caleb's new book as well!

[L Verge]

I hate to sound like a beggar, but please remember the Surratt House when considering books on our subject. Life Members of the Surratt Society (like you, Betty) get a 15% discount.

[BettyO]

Thanks, Laurie!

Great idea....and since I'm coming up Saturday - I'll pick up my copy from Surratt House - cancelling the B&N order!

[Gene C]

Here is the authors book web site

http://www.johnsurratt.com/index.html

[L Verge]

I'm trying to find time to read this book. Mr. Schein did quite a bit of research at Surratt House (he commuted from Washington State on several occasions as well as emailing). I suspect that he might be a tad too sympathetic with John for some of our readers, however. The last chapter I have read and found it very nicely done.

I should add that the book is heavily footnoted and gives an extensive bibliography. If there is an afterlife, I hope I meet Mr. Surratt. My first question will be, "Why did you burn the manuscript for your book?" From what we understand, the mss. was in the hands of a publisher, but Surratt got it back and destroyed it. A descendant told me that the family always said it was because there were people named in the book that could still be hurt by it. Maybe that could be an example of his humanity?

[STS Lincolnite]

(06-25-2015 05:02 PM)L Verge Wrote:  A descendant told me that the family always said it was because there were people named in the book that could still be hurt by it. Maybe that could be an example of his humanity?

I have not yet read this book but like you Laurie am trying to find time to do so.

That being said, what I have read and understand about John Surratt is that he was always looking out for himself above all others. As far as his burning the manuscript being an example of his humanity, I'm not sure. I find it more likely that the people "that could still be hurt by it" found out that Surratt was planning to publish a book and they threatened to end his humanity (if you get my meaning) should he in fact publish his book. Looking out for himself, and if it benefitted the mysterious others, so be it.

Mr. Schein recently appeared on Civil War Talk Radio hosted by Gerry Prokopowicz. He talked about his book. Here is a link to the show.

http://www.impedimentsofwar.org/singlesh...?show=1133