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Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War
Thomas B. Allen’s expertise in military history and strategy is combined with Roger MacBride Allen’s knowledge of technology to reveal a lesser-known yet fascinating side of the 16th president of the United States. Their authoritative narrative reveals Lincoln as our nation’s first hands-on Commander-in-Chief, whose appreciation for the power of technology plays a critical role in the North’s Civil War victory over the less developed South.
Readers meet Lincoln as he exchanges vital telegraph messages with his generals in the field; we witness his inspection of new ship models at the Navy Yard; we view the president target-shooting with the designer of a new kind of rifle; and we follow Lincoln, the man of action, as he leads a daring raid to recapture Norfolk, VA.
The book’s historic sweep also sets Abraham Lincoln in the context of his military we learn about the North’s Anaconda Plan, the South’s counter strategies, and how the concept of total war replaced the old Napoleonic way of fighting. Readers will come away with a rich sense of a leader who lived through one of the most exciting ages of technological and social change in America. With archival photographs, artwork, and maps, Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War brings alive a time when the railroad brought soldiers and to and from the battlefields, when hot-air balloons were used for surveillance, and when ironclad warships revolutionized naval warfare.
The Allens’ detailed study demonstrates why Lincoln’s appreciation of the importance of technology, his understanding of the art of war, and his mastery of military strategy were key elements in the winning of the American Civil War.
National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
Readers meet Lincoln as he exchanges vital telegraph messages with his generals in the field; we witness his inspection of new ship models at the Navy Yard; we view the president target-shooting with the designer of a new kind of rifle; and we follow Lincoln, the man of action, as he leads a daring raid to recapture Norfolk, VA.
The book’s historic sweep also sets Abraham Lincoln in the context of his military we learn about the North’s Anaconda Plan, the South’s counter strategies, and how the concept of total war replaced the old Napoleonic way of fighting. Readers will come away with a rich sense of a leader who lived through one of the most exciting ages of technological and social change in America. With archival photographs, artwork, and maps, Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War brings alive a time when the railroad brought soldiers and to and from the battlefields, when hot-air balloons were used for surveillance, and when ironclad warships revolutionized naval warfare.
The Allens’ detailed study demonstrates why Lincoln’s appreciation of the importance of technology, his understanding of the art of war, and his mastery of military strategy were key elements in the winning of the American Civil War.
National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 13, 2009
About the author
Thomas B. Allen
70 books25 followersThomas B. Allen's writings range from articles for National Geographic Magazine to books on espionage and military history.
He is the father of Roger MacBride Allen.
He is the father of Roger MacBride Allen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 8, 2021
3.5 stars
April 18, 2019
I would have had more reasonable expectations going into this somewhat disappointing book if I had known ahead of time, before reading it, that the book was published by National Geographic. Despite the author's click-baity book, this short volume is no detailed discussion of the importance of the vital role that telegrams made in allowing for some level of control on Lincoln's part of the operations of Union armies [1]. Nor is the book the sort of in-depth discussion of technology and the role of governments in war to promote and exploit inventions, which was the sort of book I expected it to be. Had I known the book was published by National Geographic as opposed to only its title, though, I would not have expected depth from this book because I would have realized that as a National Geographic title it was not interested in providing depth but rather in achieving mass popularity with a superficial gee-whiz view of technology and gadgetry, which is what this book provides.
In terms of its content, this book is less than 150 pages filled with photos and drawings that tells a surprisingly conventional narrative of the Civil War interspersed with various discussions of Civil War technologies. Beginning with a prologue that praises America's spirit of invention, it then moves on to tell the story of the Civil War briefly in three situation reports that are scattered throughout (the first before chapter one, the second between chapters six and seven, and the third between chapters eleven and twelve). Other than these narrative situation reports that provide the structure of the Civil War in very brief fashion, we hear about Lincoln's secret arrival in Washington DC (1) and the way he took command just before the attack on Ft. Sumter (2), get a sympathetic account of Scott's Anaconda Plan (3), and look at how it was that civilians (and military figures) learned war (4). We hear about how balloons rode the winds of battle but were only used in the beginning of the war because generals who favored them did not win (5) and also hear about ironclads (6) as well as commerce raiders and blockade runners (7). The authors discuss old and new war (8), the slow march to rapid fire machine guns (9), the homemade navy (10), the use of rails and wire in the civil war (11), and a misguided and cliched discussion of total war (12) before the book concludes with the legacy of civil war technology beyond the battlefield and a bibliography and sources quoted list and an index.
There is a lot of potential in here for a good book. The technological developments that were invented during the Civil War and that were utilized in the Civil War for the first time or at least in their early stages are well worth books. The Union adoption of a harsh war that was well short of total war but that was well regulated in accordance with the norms of international law but which led to a great deal of destruction by such generals as Sheridan, Sherman, Hunter, and others has been discussed in other, better books [2]. The fact that the authors seem more interested in technologies as gadgets and seem rather uninterested with the logistics of how such machines are to be used and maintained and integrated with the other arms systems suggests that this book has some rather severe limits to its worth. In better hands this could have been a much better book, but one does not expect greatness from National Geographic unless one is courting disappointment.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
In terms of its content, this book is less than 150 pages filled with photos and drawings that tells a surprisingly conventional narrative of the Civil War interspersed with various discussions of Civil War technologies. Beginning with a prologue that praises America's spirit of invention, it then moves on to tell the story of the Civil War briefly in three situation reports that are scattered throughout (the first before chapter one, the second between chapters six and seven, and the third between chapters eleven and twelve). Other than these narrative situation reports that provide the structure of the Civil War in very brief fashion, we hear about Lincoln's secret arrival in Washington DC (1) and the way he took command just before the attack on Ft. Sumter (2), get a sympathetic account of Scott's Anaconda Plan (3), and look at how it was that civilians (and military figures) learned war (4). We hear about how balloons rode the winds of battle but were only used in the beginning of the war because generals who favored them did not win (5) and also hear about ironclads (6) as well as commerce raiders and blockade runners (7). The authors discuss old and new war (8), the slow march to rapid fire machine guns (9), the homemade navy (10), the use of rails and wire in the civil war (11), and a misguided and cliched discussion of total war (12) before the book concludes with the legacy of civil war technology beyond the battlefield and a bibliography and sources quoted list and an index.
There is a lot of potential in here for a good book. The technological developments that were invented during the Civil War and that were utilized in the Civil War for the first time or at least in their early stages are well worth books. The Union adoption of a harsh war that was well short of total war but that was well regulated in accordance with the norms of international law but which led to a great deal of destruction by such generals as Sheridan, Sherman, Hunter, and others has been discussed in other, better books [2]. The fact that the authors seem more interested in technologies as gadgets and seem rather uninterested with the logistics of how such machines are to be used and maintained and integrated with the other arms systems suggests that this book has some rather severe limits to its worth. In better hands this could have been a much better book, but one does not expect greatness from National Geographic unless one is courting disappointment.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
February 25, 2021
This book should have been better. The author has the right idea and theme he just approaches it on a shallow level. This book is a nice introduction and brief history of the war. It just does not cover what it says it is going to do very well.
There was so much more to explore with the railroads. The supply system and the ability to not just move troops but weapons faster. This is a point Mr. Allen misses. He shows the weaponization of the technology quite well but he seems to fail when it come to logistics and political implications. Although he does point out Lincoln did get the transcontinental railroad started with proper legislation.
The telegraph was Lincoln's main tool. He completely exploited his abilities with English and direct language to get the generals moving. It was communication where Lincoln wanted to, and needed to, excel. He immediately recognized its importance. Early on, in a point missed by Allen, Lincoln made sure there was a transcontinental telegraph line. This was important to hold the nation together and in California's case to keep the gold coming into the US Treasury. The nearly instant reports brought both joy and sadness to the President. The instant communications brought grief to the generals especially those who displeased him.
Other devices covered are covered with perhaps too much made of the balloons. His ironclad coverage is about right. Although the ships were revolutionary, they could not hit the open sea making the revolution about the combat. What i found interesting is as much as iron would change the navies, no one talks about the greater deadliness the shells were to have because they needed to penetrate the armor. The shells became deadlier to the point of making the battleships more targets than weapons. Allen covers the higher caliber guns but he, and many others, seem to skip the fact that the ships then needed to be bigger to sustain and survive damage until the 20th Century, when they became expensive wastes as weapons of war.
The book could have explored the inventions so much better. The era is remarkable and on one point I am in total agreement with the author. He points out how Lincoln and the Congress got a lot of legislation through, enough to make him at least very good President without including the war. Populating the west with the Homestead Act, created modern banking rules that would help business in the coming decades, the transcontinental railroad, the creation of agricultural colleges in every state they could. When comparing Lincoln's love of technology with the Confederacy that was tied to tradition, there is no surprise in the war's outcome. Before 1860 I believe the Union winning is questionable, but with the new technology that Lincoln willingly, and lovingly, exploited, the south was lucky to have lasted as long as they did.
There was so much more to explore with the railroads. The supply system and the ability to not just move troops but weapons faster. This is a point Mr. Allen misses. He shows the weaponization of the technology quite well but he seems to fail when it come to logistics and political implications. Although he does point out Lincoln did get the transcontinental railroad started with proper legislation.
The telegraph was Lincoln's main tool. He completely exploited his abilities with English and direct language to get the generals moving. It was communication where Lincoln wanted to, and needed to, excel. He immediately recognized its importance. Early on, in a point missed by Allen, Lincoln made sure there was a transcontinental telegraph line. This was important to hold the nation together and in California's case to keep the gold coming into the US Treasury. The nearly instant reports brought both joy and sadness to the President. The instant communications brought grief to the generals especially those who displeased him.
Other devices covered are covered with perhaps too much made of the balloons. His ironclad coverage is about right. Although the ships were revolutionary, they could not hit the open sea making the revolution about the combat. What i found interesting is as much as iron would change the navies, no one talks about the greater deadliness the shells were to have because they needed to penetrate the armor. The shells became deadlier to the point of making the battleships more targets than weapons. Allen covers the higher caliber guns but he, and many others, seem to skip the fact that the ships then needed to be bigger to sustain and survive damage until the 20th Century, when they became expensive wastes as weapons of war.
The book could have explored the inventions so much better. The era is remarkable and on one point I am in total agreement with the author. He points out how Lincoln and the Congress got a lot of legislation through, enough to make him at least very good President without including the war. Populating the west with the Homestead Act, created modern banking rules that would help business in the coming decades, the transcontinental railroad, the creation of agricultural colleges in every state they could. When comparing Lincoln's love of technology with the Confederacy that was tied to tradition, there is no surprise in the war's outcome. Before 1860 I believe the Union winning is questionable, but with the new technology that Lincoln willingly, and lovingly, exploited, the south was lucky to have lasted as long as they did.
December 20, 2023
Long title and a bit of a misnomer because this book also deals with the Confederate States of America's use of technology. Granted, the Confederacy was limited by their scarce industrial capability, but they focused what they had on their navy, including the first ironclad in combat and the first submarine. Both were effective when let out of the barn, but neither lasted much beyond their first engagement. That’s the way it goes with military innovation; failures often precede a workable design.
Most people view the American Civil War as a series of bloody battles fought with muskets and cannons. It all looks so backward from a modern perspective. In truth, the American Civil War changed warfare dramatically through the use of technology. Prior to the Civil War, Napoleon defined combat strategy and almost every senior officer on either side of the Civil War received their education at West Point which was steeped in the Napoleonic principles of warfare. These principles did not last long into the war. Dahlberg cannons, rifled cannon, rifled shoulder weapons, repeating rifles, repeating pistols, trench warfare, instant telegraph communication, railroads, steam-powered warships, iron clads, turret mounted cannons, submarines, primitive but effective stealth techniques, and ammunition advances made Napoleonic strategies as obsolete as battleships in WWII. These advances in technology were so important that every world power sent military observers to watch how both Union and Rebel forces adjusted to the new weapons.
A quick example of how technology changed strategy. For centuries naval warships focused on positioning the ship to deliver a broadside where all the cannons on one side could be brought to bear. Usually, the ship dropped its sails to stay in position, offering a static target. With stream power, warships could circle, thus presenting a moving target and using the cannons on both sides of the ship. A steam engine double the number of usable cannons while defensively making the ship harder to hit.
Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War is a short, fast moving book that concentrates on a single aspect of the war. It is filled with illustrations and sidebars which keeps the reader’s interest and help the narrative run smoothly. This National Geographic book is a well-written book with high production values. Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War is supposedly targeted at middle-school age children, but anyone interested in the Civil War or the technology of warfare will find it informative.
Most people view the American Civil War as a series of bloody battles fought with muskets and cannons. It all looks so backward from a modern perspective. In truth, the American Civil War changed warfare dramatically through the use of technology. Prior to the Civil War, Napoleon defined combat strategy and almost every senior officer on either side of the Civil War received their education at West Point which was steeped in the Napoleonic principles of warfare. These principles did not last long into the war. Dahlberg cannons, rifled cannon, rifled shoulder weapons, repeating rifles, repeating pistols, trench warfare, instant telegraph communication, railroads, steam-powered warships, iron clads, turret mounted cannons, submarines, primitive but effective stealth techniques, and ammunition advances made Napoleonic strategies as obsolete as battleships in WWII. These advances in technology were so important that every world power sent military observers to watch how both Union and Rebel forces adjusted to the new weapons.
A quick example of how technology changed strategy. For centuries naval warships focused on positioning the ship to deliver a broadside where all the cannons on one side could be brought to bear. Usually, the ship dropped its sails to stay in position, offering a static target. With stream power, warships could circle, thus presenting a moving target and using the cannons on both sides of the ship. A steam engine double the number of usable cannons while defensively making the ship harder to hit.
Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War is a short, fast moving book that concentrates on a single aspect of the war. It is filled with illustrations and sidebars which keeps the reader’s interest and help the narrative run smoothly. This National Geographic book is a well-written book with high production values. Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War is supposedly targeted at middle-school age children, but anyone interested in the Civil War or the technology of warfare will find it informative.
May 4, 2022
A new twist is taken in this book about Abraham Lincoln. Readers follow the Civil War as new inventions are introduced, including the telegraph, railroads, surveillance balloons, iron-clads and submarines, and high-powered weapons. Accompanied by period photographs, cartoons and illustrations, each new development is explained with references to President Lincoln's involvement in its deployment during the war. One of my favorite things about this fascinating book was realizing how much President Lincoln understood all aspects of the war and that he was an early "techie". He caught on to the new technologies much faster than many of his army leaders and understood how they would help armies fight wars differently. It is interesting to note that the generals and other war leaders fighting on both sides attended West Point together, and all studied Napoleon's war tactics. Consequently, they fought battles the same way. However, with the addition of these "modern" gadgets, they were forced to adapt to new strategies - some with more resistance than others. It will be a rare child that will pick up this text-heavy book and read it cover-to-cover, but one interested in the Civil War, or war strategy, or inventions, or President Lincoln will enjoy this immensely. Named 2010 Notable Book for Older Readers as well as other honors and awards including a 2009 Top 10 book in Science & Technology. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
May 25, 2021
When I got this as an "included" book on Audible, I had no idea that it was a book for youngsters aged 10-14. It turned out to be pretty good, and I think it's suitable for that age group. As an adult who reads extensively, and tackled some larger books on the Civil War, I found it entertaining.
It's not comprehensive, however, nor is it solely about the technology used during the conflict. It's a brief overview of both. Don't expect Bruce Catton or James McPherson...but maybe it'll get your kid fired up to read those eminent Pulitzer winning Civil War authors someday. Maybe it'll get you fired up if you listen to this with your kid. It'd be a good listen on the drive to visit some far off Civil War battlefield with the family.
It was well narrated by Fred Sullivan. His voice has life and energy. The last audiobook narrator I reviewed didn't have that. He kept me engaged.
It's not comprehensive, however, nor is it solely about the technology used during the conflict. It's a brief overview of both. Don't expect Bruce Catton or James McPherson...but maybe it'll get your kid fired up to read those eminent Pulitzer winning Civil War authors someday. Maybe it'll get you fired up if you listen to this with your kid. It'd be a good listen on the drive to visit some far off Civil War battlefield with the family.
It was well narrated by Fred Sullivan. His voice has life and energy. The last audiobook narrator I reviewed didn't have that. He kept me engaged.
February 10, 2022
There were lots of interesting details overall. Like most books, this paints Lincoln in a very favorable light, ignoring wrongs that he did (which would make him more human). It would have been a better book if it went into detail as to how he used his reach to control and even shut down newspapers with descending opinions from himself. A few things were brushed over, but otherwise this covered the bulk of things. I only mention that as it directly would tie into what he had the power to do that other presidents didn't because of the advance in communication. His reach covered the country like none before him.
January 4, 2024
A very interesting and informative book. The author discusses the strategy, battles, and how new technology influenced the fighting in the Civil War. I did not know it at the time I ordered this, but it is aimed towards a youthful audience; nevertheless, while cursory in nature, it is still a very informative book.
A good lesson in US history, and I strongly recommend this book for everyone.
A good lesson in US history, and I strongly recommend this book for everyone.
March 15, 2021
This book was fascinating. It tells the Civil War story but through the lens of the new technologies of that day (the railroads, the telegraph, surveillance balloons, ironclad ships etc) and how they impacted the course of the war. It's intended for teen audience but is an excellent introduction to the topic for any reader.
January 5, 2023
A good book for upper elementary or middle school age explaining different ways that Abraham Lincoln used the technology of his age to have victories over the Confederacy and finally win the war. Lots of good timelines, images, sidebars of information. There is also lists in the back for other resources.
October 1, 2022
Great book. Easy to understand, but detailed enough to keep me interested. I learned many new facts about the era, and the war, and the man. My only criticism is that I wish it had been longer. Great fast read!
July 30, 2017
Well-written and clear. It helps to have a background in the Civil War to understand it.
July 23, 2018
Worth your time
November 17, 2018
I liked it.
April 22, 2021
Interesting
February 12, 2023
Fascinating if brief overview of some of the technological innovations that took place during the second American Civil War. Could have used more detailed information.
March 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! It went through the war chronologically, for the most part, and I learned a lot! Yay for books!
March 5, 2026
I love reading about the Civil War, but I'm less interested in many technical details, so I appreciated this lighter exposure to the use of technology in the war.
December 19, 2015
Summer Reading Book Review
Historical Summer Reading Book Review: What Were the Life Lessons?
One of the life lessons in Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War is that although you believe that everything you do is absolutely perfect, whether it is a weapon or a telegraph, it can still be improved. During the Civil War, the flintlock firing system was improved with the percussion-cap system. A more current example would be writing for english, history, or science. You could write a rough draft and think that you are done with your whole essay, but if you go through it thoroughly, you might find it is unclear or has spelling or grammar errors that you had missed the first time.
Another life lesson that I learned is that you could always be more prepared. Abraham Lincoln could have sent provisions to Fort Sumter before the Confederates had taken siege of the fort. You could be more prepared for class. You could have pens as your writing utensil for that day, but if the teacher asks you to bring a pencil, and you don’t have one, you could get in trouble with the teacher.
The last life lesson that I learned is that you must be careful with what you do, whether it is placing your generals at a particular spot or dealing with an acid in science. Abraham Lincoln had put his men in Indian Territory during the Civil War, so they had an advantage on frontal strikes against the Confederate army, but because he did this, he placed Washington, D.C. at risk of being invaded. This was because he placed all his men in Indian Territory, and he had volunteer militias guarding Washington., but not all of the militias were loyal to him. When you’re dealing with a dangerous acid in science class, you want gloves, an apron, and safety goggles. If you do not learn from the mistakes you’ve made in the past, you’re going to make the same errors in the future.
Rating:4.5/5 stars
Historical Summer Reading Book Review: What Were the Life Lessons?
One of the life lessons in Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War is that although you believe that everything you do is absolutely perfect, whether it is a weapon or a telegraph, it can still be improved. During the Civil War, the flintlock firing system was improved with the percussion-cap system. A more current example would be writing for english, history, or science. You could write a rough draft and think that you are done with your whole essay, but if you go through it thoroughly, you might find it is unclear or has spelling or grammar errors that you had missed the first time.
Another life lesson that I learned is that you could always be more prepared. Abraham Lincoln could have sent provisions to Fort Sumter before the Confederates had taken siege of the fort. You could be more prepared for class. You could have pens as your writing utensil for that day, but if the teacher asks you to bring a pencil, and you don’t have one, you could get in trouble with the teacher.
The last life lesson that I learned is that you must be careful with what you do, whether it is placing your generals at a particular spot or dealing with an acid in science. Abraham Lincoln had put his men in Indian Territory during the Civil War, so they had an advantage on frontal strikes against the Confederate army, but because he did this, he placed Washington, D.C. at risk of being invaded. This was because he placed all his men in Indian Territory, and he had volunteer militias guarding Washington., but not all of the militias were loyal to him. When you’re dealing with a dangerous acid in science class, you want gloves, an apron, and safety goggles. If you do not learn from the mistakes you’ve made in the past, you’re going to make the same errors in the future.
Rating:4.5/5 stars
May 7, 2014
Mr. Lincoln’s high-tech war by Thomas B. Allen and Roger Macbride Allen was a good, easy read which informed me more about the civil war in depth outside of social studies class. This book was published by National Geographic which made me pick up this book because NG usually makes good books. It had an interesting cover which cut straight to the point; they believed Lincoln won the war using advanced technology. This included the telegraphs, railroads, balloons, and iron clad ships. Since this is such a controversial topic, I knew it would be a good read in which it challenges the reader think outside the box about the Civil War. I have often though about the technology that this book hints at on the cover so I decided to read it.
This book was a good idea, but the beginning was not good. The whole first page explains how Americas was stuck in an age in which new inventions did not happen. The first line is, “In 1809 Abraham Lincoln was born into the last generation of Americans who did not expect technology ever to change.” I believe that this book should have started with saying how inventions were starting to change
America. This would have provided a base for the rest of the argument. The middle and end were notably better in which the authors provided lots of information covering every question the reader would have. Also the pictures and little information boxes were perfect in creating the book. Most 7th graders should read this book to get a better understanding of Lincoln and how the civil war worked.
This book was a good idea, but the beginning was not good. The whole first page explains how Americas was stuck in an age in which new inventions did not happen. The first line is, “In 1809 Abraham Lincoln was born into the last generation of Americans who did not expect technology ever to change.” I believe that this book should have started with saying how inventions were starting to change
America. This would have provided a base for the rest of the argument. The middle and end were notably better in which the authors provided lots of information covering every question the reader would have. Also the pictures and little information boxes were perfect in creating the book. Most 7th graders should read this book to get a better understanding of Lincoln and how the civil war worked.
May 15, 2011
"Mr Lincoln's High-Tech War" is a good summary of some of the major technological improvements occurring during the Civil War. Though a valuable book, it is rather like a survey course, a great deal of details, but not a lot of depth. Many of the technological improvements discussed here warrant lengthy tomes on their own (many have been written) in particular weapon inventions (Springfield repeaters, new breechloading rifles), the invention of the Ironclads and the Hunley, the very first submarine, all are covered better and in more depth in other books. Also, though the use of the railroad and the invention of Morse Code are talked about, and an example given (Chattanooga relief) I felt it was underserved. In addition, it might have been worth mentioning more about technology that didn't change (medicine) and the refusal of people (especially generals) to make use of these new technologies.
"Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War" was a good survey book, one I would proudly include on my Civil War bookcase, but should only be used as a jumping off point for further discussion of the various technologies used and the technological inventions being made during the Civil War.
"Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War" was a good survey book, one I would proudly include on my Civil War bookcase, but should only be used as a jumping off point for further discussion of the various technologies used and the technological inventions being made during the Civil War.
April 7, 2009
Enthusiastic about the new technology just beginning to appear in the world, Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph, railroads, surveillance balloons, ironclad ships, high-powered weapons, and more - including the concept of total war - to win America's Civil War in the 1860s.
I would not have thought there could be a fresh, informative look at Abraham Lincoln by this point, but this picture of Lincoln as the technology enthusiast and hands-on war commander is full of fascinating - and new to me - facts. Well-organized and smoothly written, it is extensively illustrated with photos and engravings - printed on a matte paper so the photos look more like the more common drawings. This is effective design. Occasional boxes develop topics - habeas corpus, land torpedos, firing mechanisms, juneteenth, etc. There are also extensive end notes (tiny print) and an index. The author points out that there is lots of primary source material available on line but includes an extensive book bibliography too - a gold mine for researchers. Middle school and up.
I would not have thought there could be a fresh, informative look at Abraham Lincoln by this point, but this picture of Lincoln as the technology enthusiast and hands-on war commander is full of fascinating - and new to me - facts. Well-organized and smoothly written, it is extensively illustrated with photos and engravings - printed on a matte paper so the photos look more like the more common drawings. This is effective design. Occasional boxes develop topics - habeas corpus, land torpedos, firing mechanisms, juneteenth, etc. There are also extensive end notes (tiny print) and an index. The author points out that there is lots of primary source material available on line but includes an extensive book bibliography too - a gold mine for researchers. Middle school and up.
December 28, 2015
Thomas Allen's non-fiction book about how the North used new high-tech weapons and devices to win the Civil War. Although the book was filled with information about many different topics, he fails to bring the ideas together to form one central theme of how the North capitalized on these new inventions. The title includes "How the North used," which foreshadows that he will give specific examples of times the technology was used, but he does not do this well.
In one section of the book, he discusses how Hot Air Balloons were used often in the war, mainly by the North. He talks about some of the physics in why they were so successful and why it made sense that the North used them. At times, he said that they could sneak behind enemy lines, or spy on them, but even so, he does not describe specific times when they were used.
If the title did not include the phrase "How the North Used," then the book would have a much more elegant rhythm, but because it did, what Allen said was to come never did. Because of this, the book was not very successful.
Rating: 2/5
In one section of the book, he discusses how Hot Air Balloons were used often in the war, mainly by the North. He talks about some of the physics in why they were so successful and why it made sense that the North used them. At times, he said that they could sneak behind enemy lines, or spy on them, but even so, he does not describe specific times when they were used.
If the title did not include the phrase "How the North Used," then the book would have a much more elegant rhythm, but because it did, what Allen said was to come never did. Because of this, the book was not very successful.
Rating: 2/5
August 13, 2013
The Civil War is of great interest to thousands of Americans. It's a war that divided the nation. Author Thomas B. Allen focused on the war, but with a new aspect - the technology of the times. The main theme is technology and how Lincoln loved it and utilized it when possible.
For any Civil War enthusiast or history lover, this is an excellent non-fiction piece. Allen shares information about Lincoln's patent (the only President to have one), the telegraph, the railroad, hot air balloons, the navy, and more. It's a fascinating look into history and how history influenced today's machinery and war tactics. I would recommend this title to students and adults with any interest in history.
Fred Sullivan narrates Allen's book. It's an easy listen on the ears. The text doesn't call for dynamic reading, but Sullivan adds a bit of flair when needed. I would listen to a book narrated by Sullivan again.
Reviewed from an Audio Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!
For any Civil War enthusiast or history lover, this is an excellent non-fiction piece. Allen shares information about Lincoln's patent (the only President to have one), the telegraph, the railroad, hot air balloons, the navy, and more. It's a fascinating look into history and how history influenced today's machinery and war tactics. I would recommend this title to students and adults with any interest in history.
Fred Sullivan narrates Allen's book. It's an easy listen on the ears. The text doesn't call for dynamic reading, but Sullivan adds a bit of flair when needed. I would listen to a book narrated by Sullivan again.
Reviewed from an Audio Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!
December 30, 2014
Allen, Thomas B. and Roger MacBride Allen. Mr. Lincoln’s High Tech War. 2009. 144 pp. $18.95. National Geographic. 978-1-4263-0380-7. Ages 10-15 A chronological history of the Civil War from the roots of the conflict to its end and the death of Abraham Lincoln. The story focuses on the ways in which technology was used by Lincoln to defeat the South and change the face of modern warfare forever. Some ideas explored are the use of telegrams, railroads, ironclad warships, hot air balloons, and rapid-fire weapons. Black and white photos and diagrams clarify concepts without distracting. Helpful sidebars explain important concepts or feature timelines of important events, and an index and list of helpful websites are included. The history is very well-researched and offers a balanced perspective on Lincoln’s use of technologies which gave rise to the concept of total war. A good addition for students interested in history, war, technology, or biography. Recommended. Ages 10-15.
January 4, 2013
market research
Limited booktalking appeal, only subject specific. Rather dry approach which is unfortunate give the topic and sexy title. Some interesting trivia bits (Lincoln the only president to be awarded a patent, female Pinkerton agent that escorted Lincoln to his inaugural, etc.) that are lost in the unremarkable narrative style. Drab black and white illustrations that are sometimes difficult to see (ironic much National Geographic?!). Perfect size with a nicely type-set cover to mimic a newspaper. >100 pages. Sidebars with small text. Illustration credits crammed in the front. Bibliography, online resources, quote sources, and index.
National Geographic
Limited booktalking appeal, only subject specific. Rather dry approach which is unfortunate give the topic and sexy title. Some interesting trivia bits (Lincoln the only president to be awarded a patent, female Pinkerton agent that escorted Lincoln to his inaugural, etc.) that are lost in the unremarkable narrative style. Drab black and white illustrations that are sometimes difficult to see (ironic much National Geographic?!). Perfect size with a nicely type-set cover to mimic a newspaper. >100 pages. Sidebars with small text. Illustration credits crammed in the front. Bibliography, online resources, quote sources, and index.
National Geographic
December 19, 2009
Interesting look at the use of technology during the Civil War. The most fascinating thing to me was the notion that Abe Lincoln's parents' generation did not expect technology to change. The same tools, guns, methods of transportation, etc. had been in use for many generations. Whereas Abe's great-grandfather could easily have used the tools and guns and wagons that Abe grew up with, his father wouldn't have had a clue what to do with the guns, telegraph machines, trains, and other tools developed during Abe's life.
May 27, 2010
This is a young adult book but I loved the way they presented the history of the Civil War, not by long lists of battles and generals (although both are mentioned, often). Instead the entire war is covered by talking about the new technologies that were either used or developed during the war. Iron clad ships, telegraphs, side-loading rifles, and railroads are the highlights but there are a variety of other things that came into being during this long conflict.
Since it is a YA book its a pretty quick read and well written to boot.
Since it is a YA book its a pretty quick read and well written to boot.
July 15, 2010
This meticulously-researched and well-argued book holds that the Union won the war because of technologies the South didn't have, like: printed telegraph messages, long-haul railroads, high-powered weapons and rifles that could shoot three rounds a minute, and submarines and surveillance balloons, to name just a few I can remember off the top of my head. Bet you didn't know some of those were used during the Civil War!
February 28, 2011
An interesting look at the technology used in the Civil War and the ways it affected not only the outcome of that war, but society and daily life after. I especially enjoyed the chapter on hot-air balloons. I had no idea those were ever used by the military! This is definitely a high-level "kids" book and probably only for those really interested in war or military strategy. But I'm sure those kids are out there and I'm glad this book exists for them.
Also, Lincoln was awesome.
Also, Lincoln was awesome.
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