James Swanson (1959 - 2025)

[Dave Taylor]

James L. Swanson, author of several books and articles on the subject of Abraham Lincoln and his assassination, died on April 21, 2025, in Naperville, Illinois.

Here's his obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nam...d=58216009

This website states that he died from "a rare form of brain cancer."

I was very surprised to read this. Swanson's book, Manhunt, was the modern The Day Lincoln Was Shot, and brought countless people into the story of Lincoln's assassination. May his memory be a blessing.

[jbarry]

RIP, Mr. Swanson. His book got me interested in the assassination. I was at Ford's Theatre the night of the 14th, along with several others, hoping he would stop by. Every day is precious.

[Rob Wick]

I rarely had anything good to say for Manhunt, but I am saddened to hear that he died. He definitely brought people into the study of the assassination.

Best
Rob

[wpbinzel]

I agree with Dave. As an introduction to the saga of Lincoln's assassination, I have no reservations about recommending Manhunt, and that is what Jim intended. I think there are better and more detailed histories (thank you, Ed Steers!), but Jim's book reads like a novel and is better than most, and historically accurate. I did not know Jim well, but he was a friend. RIP, Jim.