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The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

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Member Reviews

Thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

We all know John Wilkes Booth shot and killed Abraham Lincoln, but the bigger issue has to do with who gave the orders and was behind this assassination. This is an extremely interesting book, one that can get bogged down with names and details, but nonetheless gives a great deal of insight into the authors theories as to the mastermind behind the plot. So much information that one has to wade through but we do find out that Booth was pretty much a drunkard and highly intoxicated the night of the assassination; also that this was part of a Black Flag War that the Confederacy was using to try and reverse the inevitable outcome of the war. We find out about the many attempts on Lincoln's life including carriage accidents, possible food poisoning in Gettysburg at the time of the Address, an attempt to kill him with a delivery of shirts laced with Yellow Fever germs. Unbelievable stuff, as well as the role the Confederate Secret Service located in Canada played in an almost year long attempt to kidnap or kill Lincoln. Civil War buffs will love this book, which is intense in detail but nonetheless informative and insightful.

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A look at the timing & planning behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln & those who were possibly responsible. Eschewing the popular theory of John Wilkes Booth being a 'lone wolf' who killed the president due to his hatred of Lincoln, this book argues that Booth was part of a network & took orders from people higher up in the Confederate government.

This is a very detailed study of those involved. The author ties in every person suspected of being involved in the conspiracy to not only remove the president but the whole top level of government of the Union. I wasn't aware of the previous attempts on Lincoln's life & that he had received over 10,000 death threats whilst in office, or that attempts were made around the same time on other Union politicians such as Grant. It was interesting to note that Lincoln had sanctioned at least two plots to kill the top Confederate government before this happened which tends to evidence that, as the author writes, the US Civil War was a 'Black Flag' war or a war where no quarter is given by either side.

It was an informative read for the most part, but there were some parts where my attention began to wander at times. There are so many names to try & keep track of, plus noting who was doing what. I thought that the author made their case well, although one question raised which I don't think was answered (unless I missed it) was why there was no bodyguard between the inner & outer doors of the theatre box? I find that strange or is that further evidence of a wide-reaching conspiracy? 3.5 stars (rounded down)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword History, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

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The tone of this book is not that of a scholarly historian, but that of a conspiracy theorist trying to prove he's not a conspiracy theorist. The book makes logical leaps and presents claims as facts because they seem "intuitively obvious," even though no evidence is presented to support them. DNF @27%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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this book is so good be be upset for booth who shot abraham. i will buy this when price come down.first time read this aurtor

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John Fazio does a great job in bringing the Lincoln assassination perfectly. It was written well and had a great amount of information. It was well-researched and interesting.

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A truly interesting look into the possible conspirators into the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The story was an intriguing read, and the author does a great job of presenting the facts. I was unaware of the multiple prior attempts to assassinate Lincoln. A very good read for the historical readers.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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An interesting read in unpicking the facts from fiction as to who was involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Thoroughly researched from available contemporary historical resources of events leading up to Lincoln’s murder, character insights of those involved. Prosecution testimonies of alleged conversations and deeds of John Wilkes Booth and his team of co-conspirators. Some surprising conclusions and we’ll worth a read.

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Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln is an incredibly gripping book that delves deep into the tragic events surrounding one of the darkest moments in American history. Written with meticulous attention to detail and a strong narrative, this book captures the essence of the event and the surrounding controversy with a powerful impact.

As I ventured through its pages, I was immediately struck by the author's ability to transport me back in time, immersing me completely in the tense atmosphere of the mid-19th century. The meticulous research invested in this book is abundantly clear, as the account of the assassination and its aftermath unfolds with a wealth of primary sources and historical documentation.

Delving into the conspiracy that surrounded it has long been fodder for many a journalist. From John Wilkes Booth's treacherous plot to the involvement of various co-conspirators, the narrative unfolds like a captivating thriller. It skillfully weaves together different threads of the story, providing vital context and shedding light on the broader impact of this heinous act.

While the subject matter may be heavy, the author's writing style ensures that the book remains accessible and engaging throughout. Even for those who may not be well-versed in American history, The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln provides ample background information to fully grasp the significance of the events at play.

In conclusion, The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln is a captivating account of a pivotal moment in American history. The author's ability to recreate the atmosphere and emotions surrounding the assassination is commendable, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in delving into the depths of this tragic event

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This was a good book. Despite being on a topic that has been more than well covered, it really does a good job of pulling unexplained ends together.

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