Extremely readable - the writing is well-paced. The author could have delved deeper in many areas and sometimes seems to take Butler's word at face value. Neither altogether favorable nor absolute in condemnation, Trefousse shows the shrewd intellect that crafted such things as "Contraband" and the rules of occupied New Orleans, the raw ambition for power (political or military authority), and the penchant to make enemies and hold grudges, that were coupled to opportunistic pragmatism.
Butler inserted himself into every possible power play within his reach - and slightly beyond - during his time as a political general. Trefousse argues Butler possessed a political sagacity unequaled save by Lincoln. One thing for sure - Trefousse demonstrates well that Butler, once he inserted himself, could put up one heckuva show. Butler's penchant to blame others for his military short comings eventually caught up to him in the war and would haunt his ambitions after the war. Trefousse is to be admired at covering so much ground - Butler got around - but still some moments are glossed over, moments that could have used more detail for the reader's benefit. Still, the biography holds up well for being almost 65 years old.